For the first time in Burundi’s history, more than 300 projects were undertaken at the same time using the country’s own funds. This compliment comes from Minister Captain Dieudonné Dukundane who presented the audit report on the budget management capacity of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Equipment and Social Housing during the plenary session of Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
Carried out by the Court of Auditors in accordance with organic law no. 1/20 of June 20, 2022 revising law no. 1/35 of December 4, 2008 on public finance and in line with its program of activities, the aim of the audit is to propose the improvements needed in budget management to bring the Ministry up to speed with the new management method introduced by the organic law on public finance concerning the budget program.

Even though the mission was limited to the Ministry’s central administration and could not cover its regional and provincial offices or the personalised administrations (OBUHA and ARB), it was clear that the MPs were interested in these two personalized administrations. They therefore proposed that the Court of Auditors cover them as well. The Minister Dieudonné Dukundane encourages this kind of work which will enable things to be put back in order as soon as possible.
By way of illustration, the Nyabugete and Kizingwe Biharo sites on one hand, and the spontaneous constructions on the other hand, have caused a lot of discussions.
After pointing out the vagueness surrounding these sites, where in some cases those who claim to be the owners are claiming a larger surface area than is actually the case, the Minister stated that he would refer the matter to the hierarchical authority. As for the risk of seeing Bujumbura become a champion city through anarchic construction, to remedy this, the law must be applied. No one should build without a building permit. But the best solution is to build on high ground.

The Government Envoy also acknowledged that the road system faces many challenges. It is almost impossible to meet the deadlines for the tarmac road," he said, underlining the conditions that come with this kind of partnership. Even when it comes to non-objection, the two parties are throwing the ball back and forth. At a time when Burundi is criticising its partners for introducing draconian measures, the latter are pointing the finger at the project coordinators who are not up to the job. And he admits that it is indeed fair game for some coordinators to see the duration of the project extended.
As an alternative, paving will be favored. Not only is it less expensive than tarmac, it also uses local staff and materials. As well as being long-lasting, it is also easy to maintain.

In addition, the plenary supported the Member of Government in proposing to give preference to the public-private contract, to use the labour-intensive approach whenever possible instead of resorting to machinery, and to introduce a toll system. But on this alternative, Minister Dieudonné Dukundane is instead calling on private individuals to get involved in public infrastructure projects such as the construction of roads, bridges and hospitals.

When the plenary criticized this practice of the Government being both judge and party, the Government Envoy pointed out that each method has its merits and limits. It is not for nothing that the Government has taken road construction out of the hands of private companies. Carrying out studies, executing the project, monitoring and evaluating, all these stages cannot be entrusted to the same person. Everyone agreed. As a way out, at some point there is a need to call in an independent consultant.

In conclusion, the Speaker of the National Assembly advised Minister Dieudonné Dukundane to take note of the MPs’ recommendations.
Next time, the Member of Government must present his achievements following the program budget outline, highlighting the following wording:
1) objectively verifiable indicators (OVIs);
2) quantity;
3) unit cost;
4) totals;
5) the amount allocated;
6) work carried out;
7) work not carried out;
8) Amount remaining;
9) comments;
10) the next stage.