As part of our mission to promote transparency in public fund management and development initiatives, King Umurundi Freedom conducted an in-depth investigation into a housing project carried out in Nyamakarabo site, Mugina commune, Cibitoke province.
These houses, built in 2020 under a UNDP Burundi development program, were intended to rehouse families affected by landslides that had destroyed their homes. However, just a few years later, the infrastructure is in a severe state of decay: cracked walls, unstable foundations, and deteriorating roofs. Some families are now living in conditions that directly threaten their safety.
Our investigation uncovered misappropriation of public funds and poor budget execution. Sources indicate that each house was to be built with a budget of approximately 30 million Burundian francs, including 40 metal roofing sheets per unit*. In practice, no house received more than 32 sheets, and the total number of houses built is significantly lower than the 250 originally planned.
Key individuals identified in this mismanagement include:
• Bayavuge Jovithe, former administrator of Mugina commune,
• Ir. J Bosco, the municipal engineer known as “Rujusi,”
• and Bizoza Carême, governor of Cibitoke province, named in several witness accounts.
This case reflects inefficiencies in resource management, a lack of accountability among local authorities, and a serious violation of citizens’ right to decent housing.
Our Recommendations:
1. An independent audit of the project should be urgently conducted to identify financial and administrative responsibilities.
2. Reactivation of the housing project with strict financial oversight and active involvement of the beneficiaries.
3. Legal action against those responsible for embezzlement or mismanagement of public funds.
4. Implementation of transparency and community monitoring mechanisms for all projects funded by public or international resources.
King Umurundi Freedom remains committed to economic governance grounded in transparency, social justice, and accountability to the Burundian people.