WASAC raises water theft penalties to Rwf5 Million

The new measures, effective November 1, also introduce a Rwf20,000 reconnection fee and rewards for people who report suspected water theft.

Rwanda’s Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group) has announced revised penalties of up to Rwf5 million for water theft and illegal water connections, alongside a new Rwf20,000 fee for reconnecting customers whose water supply has been disconnected.

In a public notice issued on October 26, 2026, the corporation said the new penalties and reconnection fees would take effect on November 1, replacing rates that had been in place since 2015.

Under the revised schedule, residential properties found involved in water theft will attract a penalty of Rwf1 million.

Individuals providing verified information that leads to the identification of offenders may receive a reward of Rwf50,000.

Single residential construction sites, livestock farms and agricultural irrigation sites will face penalties of Rwf3 million, with informants eligible for Rwf100,000.

The penalty rises to Rwf5 million for construction sites involving multi-storey buildings and other real estate developments.

The same amount applies to factories, commercial buildings, hotels, guest houses, bars, restaurants, car washes, garages, swimming pools, schools, health facilities and other public or private institutions.

The rewards are intended to encourage public participation in identifying violations and protecting water infrastructure.

WASAC has also revised the cost of restoring water services for customers whose supplies have been disconnected because of unpaid bills, water theft or other reasons.

Affected customers will pay Rwf20,000 for reconnection, in addition to settling outstanding bills and meeting the applicable requirements.

The announcement comes as the corporation continues to emphasise timely bill payments and compliance with water service regulations.

WASAC provides water and sanitation services across Rwanda and operates customer support services through its toll-free number, 3535.

The new reconnection fee also represents a change from the Rwf5,000 charge previously listed in WASAC’s service information and the IremboGov reconnection guidance.

The updated notice therefore advises customers to take account of the revised rate when seeking to restore their supply.

Rwanda’s wider legal framework also provides penalties for certain offences involving water resources.

Law No. 49/2018, which governs the use and management of water resources, provides sanctions for activities such as using water without a required permit and polluting water resources.

These provisions concern water-resource management and should be distinguished from WASAC’s newly announced service-related penalty schedule.

WASAC has urged customers to pay their bills on time, refrain from illegal water connections and cooperate in reporting violations.

The corporation says the revised measures are intended to strengthen compliance and encourage responsible use of water services, which are essential to households, businesses and public institutions.

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