Streamlining energy sector a matter of urgency

The Chamber of Deputies, on Wednesday, voted to commission an independent inquiry into the Rukarara hydro power plant and Mutobo water project. Legislators also tasked the standing committee on Economy and Trade to look into the performance of the wider energy and water sectors. The move follows two days of intense debate revolving around the generation of electricity in the country, in general, and circumstances surrounding both Rukarara and Mutobo projects, in particular. Needless to say, is the importance of energy for economic development. The MPs expressed genuine concern with regard to the handling of the two projects, including such issues as mysterious procedures, through which certain deals were done with private companies. It is clear that, in some cases, there was no due diligence carried out, which could explain why the government may have incurred losses in particular instances. Therefore, the move by the MPs to get to the bottom of these cases is necessary in order to rectify the past mistakes and take measures that will help avert similar cases in the future. The inquiry should be able to identify those responsible for whatever mess that might have transpired, with a view of holding them to account, and clearing the air about the whole controversy. The country cannot afford to compromise its development agenda by failing to streamline such a critical sector as energy. Ends

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Streamlining energy sector a matter of urgency