The Ministry of Hydraulics, Energy, and Mines seems nearly non-existent, as noted by the Speaker of the National Assembly on Thursday, December 28, 2023, during the plenary session dedicated to analyzing the budgetary management audit report of the ministry. The report, conducted by the Court of Auditors for the period from 2019-2020 to 2022-2023, highlighted several shortcomings.

In accordance with the organic law no. 1/20 of June 20, 2022, amending law no. 1/35 of December 4, 2008, on public finances, the Court of Auditors undertook this audit over a four-year budgetary period. As the Court of Auditors serves the National Assembly, it transmitted the report for analysis, formulation of observations, and recommendations.

The Right Honorable Gelase Daniel Ndabirabe expressed dismay at various shortcomings, including:

• The ministry lacks a code of ethics and professional conduct;
• Human resources files are managed in different departments;
• Overlaps exist between the missions of the ministry’s inspector general and those of AREEN, between the missions of the AHMAR’s general direction and those of the electricity general direction and those of REGIDESO and ABER;
• The ministry lacks a procedures manual;
• Hierarchical controls are absent in certain sectors;
• Internal audit is carried out by the inspector general, a service with some weaknesses;
• Budgetary and accounting management meetings held by the ministry and its services are not documented with minutes.

Despite this grim picture, the plenary session cleared Minister Ibrahim Uwizeye of blame, considering that he inherited the situation. They offered advice aimed at improving the situation, emphasizing the need for a profound reform. They proposed that a second audit be conducted after five months.
In this context, MPs put forward considerations for the reform, stressing the importance of the Ministry of Hydraulics, Energy, and Mines, which some referred to as the heart of the country. Deemed a crucial driver of economic growth, the ministry must align with the 2040 vision (Burundi, emerging country) and the 2060 vision (Burundi, developed country). However, all efforts are bound to fail if the current water and electricity shortages persist. The MPs highlighted the paradox of Burundi, where rainwater flows instead of being captured in the mountains, despite the country’s natural abundance.

They underscored the vital role of water in sustaining life and electricity in promoting well-being. Warning of the consequences of water scarcity, they noted the rise of diseases due to poor sanitation. They also highlighted the impact of electricity disruptions on households relying on daily trades.

While acknowledging Government efforts to build dams, MPs raised concerns about corruption and irregularities, citing issues with the Rusumo Falls transformers. Minister Ibrahim Uwizeye pledged to address these concerns.
MPs reminisced about the past when export crops like coffee and tea brought in foreign exchange. However, these crops are no longer profitable, leaving the mining sector as the remaining hope. They lamented that the benefits of mining largely benefit a few individuals, proposing new contracts that would benefit both parties.
According to the Government’s envoy, progress has been made in suspending mining companies to address these issues.

Regarding fuel shortages impacting economic activities, MPs expressed concern about long queues at gas stations, affecting both work and social aspects. Minister Ibrahim Uwizeye announced the establishment of a fuel department at REGIDESO to address this issue.
Furthermore, MPs highlighted the importance of restructuring REGIDESO, and the Minister assured them that all contributions from the deputies are being attentively considered.