Burundi's Minister of Finance, Alain Ndikumana, revealed widespread irregularities in the construction of zonal offices when addressing Parliament on December 27, 2025. During his address, Minister Ndikumana denounced these significant issues, bringing to light concerns about the execution of a key national infrastructure project. The government had disbursed a substantial sum of 79 billion BIF for the construction of 360 such offices across the country. This ambitious initiative was primarily aimed at facilitating citizen access to essential public services, thereby eliminating the necessity for long-distance travel to administrative centers, according to the Fonic (National Fund for Communal Investment). Despite the considerable financial outlay and the stated objective of improving public service delivery, the minister pointed to numerous issues in the ongoing projects, casting a shadow over their effectiveness and value for money. As part of this extensive program, more than 220 zonal offices have already been completed, yet their functional status and quality remain a subject of scrutiny following the minister's revelations.
Widespread Construction Flaws
Reports from citizens and zone chiefs across various regions have consistently noted a pattern of imperfections in the newly constructed buildings. These deficiencies include water penetration during rain, persistent issues with roof water drainage, a notable lack of toilets for visitors, and the absence of potable water connections. Such accounts suggest a systemic problem in the quality of facilities that were intended to improve public service access for Burundian citizens. The recurring nature of these problems raises questions about construction standards and oversight.
In Maramvya zone, located within Gitega province, inhabitants specifically reported water entering the walls of the new structures, leading to dampness and potential structural damage. They also noted recurring problems with roof water drainage, indicating that basic architectural and engineering principles for weatherproofing were either overlooked or poorly implemented. These observations from local residents indicate ongoing structural challenges affecting the usability and long-term durability of the zonal offices in that particular area, compromising their intended function.
The Gatsinda zone office in Ngozi commune is not yet functional, adding to the growing list of projects that remain incomplete or unusable despite significant government expenditure. This particular office, despite being part of the larger construction program, has failed to open its doors to the public. The lack of operational status for this office means it cannot yet fulfill its intended purpose of serving the local population, effectively rendering the investment in its construction unproductive for the time being.
In Gatete zone, Rumonge commune, the building exhibits numerous cracks, particularly in the pavement, according to local reports. This physical degradation, visible shortly after construction, raises serious concerns about the overall quality of construction and the long-term integrity of the infrastructure. The visible damage suggests potential underlying issues in the materials used or the building processes employed, which could lead to accelerated deterioration and require costly repairs in the future. Yvette Nimpojeje, chief of Gatete zone, further elaborated on the structural concerns, stating there is no solid area in the office, indicating fundamental flaws in its design or execution. She has formally requested rehabilitation for the structure, showing the severity of the problems faced by this specific zonal office.
Jérôme Nikundana, who serves as the socio-economic and development advisor for Kayogoro zone, indicated that the contractor responsible for the Kayogoro zone project is currently abroad. This situation significantly complicates efforts to address any potential issues or complete outstanding work, as the primary party responsible for the construction is not present locally to rectify deficiencies. The absence of the contractor could contribute to prolonged delays or leave construction problems within the Kayogoro zone office project unresolved, further impeding its operational readiness. The reported issues across multiple zones highlight a broader concern regarding the execution and oversight of the zonal office construction initiative, suggesting a lack of stringent quality control across various sites.
Procurement and Oversight Concerns
The contractor responsible for the Gatsinda zone office, located in Ngozi commune, reportedly failed to complete the construction work as per the contractual agreement. Adding to the gravity of the situation, this contractor subsequently disappeared after receiving approximately 90 million BIF, a significant portion of the allocated funds for that specific project. Dieudonné Kwizerimana, head of the spatial planning department in Ngozi commune, confirmed these alarming details, stating that the contract for the Gatsinda zone was officially terminated due to these failures. Kwizerimana explicitly attributed the termination to the contractor's non-compliance with the agreed-upon terms and their unavailability to continue the project, leaving the office unfinished and the funds unaccounted for.
In Nyanza commune, residents have voiced profound concerns regarding a perceived lack of transparency in the process of awarding contracts for the construction of the Kayogoro and Gitara zone offices. This public discontent suggests a belief that the procurement procedures were not conducted fairly or openly, potentially leading to the selection of unqualified contractors or inflated costs. The construction of the Kayogoro zone office, specifically, has been halted since May 2025, contributing significantly to the broader issues of unfinished projects and showing the consequences of flawed procurement processes. This stoppage means that the community continues to wait for services that were promised, while the partially built structure stands as a testament to the project's difficulties.
Aimé Ndayizamba, an expert in public procurement, noted the fundamental principles that should rigorously govern the awarding of such substantial public contracts. Ndayizamba emphasized the critical importance of transparency throughout the entire procurement cycle, ensuring that all stages are open to scrutiny. He also stressed the necessity of freedom of access for all eligible bidders, promoting fair competition, and ensuring equal treatment for all participating entities in the procurement process. According to Ndayizamba, adherence to these principles is key for ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently and that projects are awarded to competent and deserving contractors.
Diomède Ninteretse, an expert in leadership, also voiced strong criticism regarding what he described as a widespread lack of transparency in public procurement procedures within the country. Ninteretse raised pointed questions concerning several critical aspects of these projects: the quality of infrastructure delivered, adherence to established construction norms and standards, the prudent expenditure of allocated budgets, and the timely completion of projects. His critique shows a broader systemic issue where accountability and proper oversight appear to be lacking, leading to substandard work and financial irregularities. The concerns raised by both Ndayizamba and Ninteretse paint a picture of a procurement system potentially vulnerable to inefficiencies and malpractices, directly impacting the success and integrity of public works like the zonal offices.
Official Responses and Future Steps
The budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year specifically allocated a significant sum of 220 million BIF per zone for the construction and equipment of the new zonal offices. This substantial financial commitment shows the government's initial intent to invest heavily in decentralized public services. However, the numerous reported issues suggest that this investment has not consistently translated into high-quality, functional infrastructure.
In Maramvya zone, Gitega province, Oscar Ndayiragije, the zone chief, confirmed the existence of specific issues within their office building. These problems include deficiencies with mastic on windows, leading to water penetration during rain, and incomplete rainwater evacuation systems, exacerbating dampness problems. The chief's confirmation corroborates earlier reports from inhabitants and notes the practical challenges faced by staff and visitors in these facilities.
Ngozi commune currently has twelve zones, a significant administrative division. Out of these twelve zones, three are not yet open to the public, indicating a considerable delay in making these services accessible to the local population. This situation in Ngozi commune reflects the broader national challenge of unfinished or non-operational zonal offices, despite the substantial funds invested. Yvette Nimpojeje, chief of Gatete zone, further detailed the structural problems, stating there is no solid area in the office, suggesting fundamental construction flaws. She has requested rehabilitation for the structure, noting the urgent need for corrective measures to make the office usable and safe.
Aimé Ndayizamba, the expert in public procurement, further clarified that sanctions for public procurement imperfections can be either penal or administrative. This distinction is key, as penal sanctions typically involve legal prosecution and potential imprisonment for severe offenses like fraud, while administrative sanctions might include fines, blacklisting contractors, or contract termination. This legal framework provides avenues for addressing the accountability gaps identified in the current projects.
Gervais Ngirirwa, president of the Association of Communes of Burundi (Acobu), expressed satisfaction with the overarching policy of decentralization of services, acknowledging its potential benefits for citizens. However, he candidly acknowledged the presence of significant technical problems in the construction process that have hindered the full realization of this vision. His statement reflects a recognition of the operational challenges despite the strategic importance of the initiative.
The Fonic, the National Fund for Communal Investment, which is central to this project, has stated that construction in some areas proceeded well, indicating that the problems are not universal across all 360 sites. The Fonic also affirmed that measures are actively being taken to complete unfinished works and rectify existing deficiencies. This suggests an official commitment to address the identified issues, although the timeline and effectiveness of these measures remain to be seen.
Indeed, there are examples of successful projects. In Kizuka zone, Rumonge commune, the building is reported to be well-constructed, suggesting that some projects have met the required standards and are serving their intended purpose effectively. Similarly, in Rutegama zone, Gitega province, initial issues with rain flooding and poor canalization were identified and subsequently corrected following intervention. These instances demonstrate that quality construction is achievable and highlight the disparity in execution across different locations, showing the importance of consistent oversight and contractor accountability. The contrast between well-executed projects and those plagued by irregularities emphasizes the need for a standardized approach to quality control and procurement across the entire national program. The government's challenge now lies in ensuring that all zonal offices meet the necessary standards to truly facilitate citizen access to services without long-distance travel, fulfilling the Fonic's stated objective.