By JOHNSON KANAMUGIRE

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Several households across the country are yet to get water as operators and district officials disagree on who will fund repairs to the supply systems affected by the recent heavy rains.

Operators of rural water networks who claim their contracts only require them to deal with simple daily maintenance works say the damage caused by the recent rains was enormous and requires district officials to intervene.

Operators who spoke to Rwanda Today say they filed inventory reports of damaged water systems in different districts, and that repair activities would depend on how the negotiations go.

Aquavirunga Ltd, a firm contracted to manage water supply and distribution networks in Nyabihu District says at least Rwf10 million is needed to temporarily fix damaged water infrastructure while long-term repairs would cost an additional Rwf141 million due to pending repairs from last year’s heavy rains.

Joseph Uwimana, Aquavirunga’s manager, said that urgent repairs would only temporarily restore water services , while long-term repairs need to done before the coming rainy season

“With the recent rains, it has become even more urgent that we get the damages repaired before the March to April rains, and the budget need is beyond our capabilities as the operators.

It is an issue we have forwarded to the district,” said Mr Uwimana.

In Nyaruguru, Rulindo and Gakenke districts, hundreds of households remain cut off and operators said it was not clear whether services would be restored soon owing to major repairs required and needed funds.

In Rulindo, an estimated Rwf20 million would be needed to repair pipes and water sources that were damaged by the rains.

Water services in Kigali and secondary cities served by WASAC were quickly restored .

However, households in rural areas have to depend on rationing schedules by the utility body, and water remains scarce.