The government of Burundi has introduced a new policy requiring owners of plots adjacent to roads in cities and towns to contribute to the paving of roads. According to the Minister of Infrastructure, Equipment, and Transport, Egide Nijimbere, the policy aims to improve the country's road network. The contribution will be calculated based on the length of the plot running alongside the road, multiplied by three meters corresponding to the portion of the road to be covered by each adjacent property owner.
Under the new guidelines, plot owners will be required to pay 61,773 Burundi francs, approximately $20.6, per square meter. For example, owners with a plot running alongside the road for a length of 10 meters will have to pay for an area of 30 square meters, which translates to 1,853,190 FBu. Similarly, plot owners with a 20-meter length will contribute 3,706,380 FBu, while those with a 30-meter length will pay 5,559,570 FBu.
The government will open a bank account at the neighborhood level, along with a sub-account to collect contributions from residents of a given road's neighborhood. Each neighborhood will have a committee, and each road will be equipped with its own committee. Three people will be designated on each avenue to monitor the use of the collected funds. This committee will ensure that the funds are used for the intended purpose.
According to Minister Nijimbere, work can begin once the contributions have reached an amount deemed sufficient, corresponding to at least the contribution needed for an avenue of 300 meters in length. The funds intended for the works can only be released after validation by the avenue's committee, through the three people designated to ensure monitoring.
The construction of paved roads is scheduled to begin not later than November 2026 throughout the 42 communes of Burundi. The government will cover another portion of the road by providing machinery and, if necessary, building bridges and culverts. The new policy aims to improve the country's road network and provide better infrastructure for its citizens.
The portion located on the other side of the road will be covered by the relevant property owner, using the same calculation method. This ensures that all plot owners adjacent to the road contribute to the paving costs. The government hopes that this policy will help to improve the overall condition of the roads in Burundi.
The introduction of this new policy is expected to have a positive impact on the country's infrastructure and economy. With improved roads, businesses and residents will benefit from easier transportation and access to goods and services. The government is confident that the policy will be successful and lead to significant improvements in the country's road network.
Key points
- Plot owners in Burundi are required to contribute to road paving costs, with a rate of 61,773 francs per square meter.
- The government will open a bank account at the neighborhood level to collect contributions from residents.
- Construction of paved roads is scheduled to begin in November 2026 throughout the 42 communes of Burundi.
