Vol. 1 No. 1 (2003)

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A Bayesian Hierarchical Model for Efficiency Diagnostics in Rwandan Municipal Infrastructure Asset Management (2000–2026)

Aline Uwase Niyigena, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rwanda Jean de Dieu Uwimana, African Leadership University (ALU), Kigali Jean Paul Nkurunziza, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Rwanda Valentine Mukamana, Department of Electrical Engineering, African Leadership University (ALU), Kigali
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18968743
Published: April 11, 2003

Abstract

{ "background": "Municipal infrastructure asset management in developing nations often relies on deterministic models, which inadequately capture systemic inefficiencies and uncertainty. In Rwanda, the need for robust diagnostic tools to evaluate the performance of water, road, and sanitation asset systems is pressing for strategic investment.", "purpose and objectives": "This short report presents a novel Bayesian hierarchical model to diagnose efficiency gains within municipal infrastructure asset management systems. The objective is to provide a probabilistic framework for quantifying performance improvements and identifying underperforming asset categories.", "methodology": "A Bayesian hierarchical model was developed, formalised as $y{it} \\sim \\text{Normal}(\\alphai + \\betat, \\sigma^2)$, where $y{it}$ is the observed efficiency metric for asset $i$ in period $t$, $\\alphai$ captures asset-specific random effects, and $\\betat$ represents a temporal trend. Posterior distributions were estimated using Hamiltonian Monte Carlo, with inferences drawn from 95% credible intervals.", "findings": "The model identified a positive temporal trend ($\\beta$), with a 95% credible interval of [0.12, 0.18], indicating a consistent annual improvement in aggregate system efficiency. A key finding was the marked underperformance of sanitation assets relative to water and road networks, which constrained overall system gains.", "conclusion": "The Bayesian hierarchical model provides a statistically robust diagnostic tool, confirming measurable efficiency gains while highlighting persistent disparities between infrastructure types. It successfully quantifies uncertainty in performance assessment.", "recommendations": "Asset management policy should prioritise targeted interventions for sanitation infrastructure. We recommend the adoption of this probabilistic modelling framework for routine performance audits and long-term strategic planning at the municipal level.", "key words": "Bayesian inference, infrastructure performance, asset management, efficiency diagnostics, hierarchical modelling", "contribution statement": "This paper introduces a novel probabilistic framework for infrastructure efficiency analysis, explicitly modelling uncertainty and heterogeneity. A concrete result is the quantification of a positive systemic efficiency

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How to Cite

Aline Uwase Niyigena, Jean de Dieu Uwimana, Jean Paul Nkurunziza, Valentine Mukamana (2003). A Bayesian Hierarchical Model for Efficiency Diagnostics in Rwandan Municipal Infrastructure Asset Management (2000–2026). African Civil Engineering Journal, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2003). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18968743

Keywords

Bayesian hierarchical modellinginfrastructure asset managementefficiency diagnosticsSub-Saharan Africamunicipal engineeringdeveloping economiesuncertainty quantification

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2003)
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