Presentation of the Government’s first semester report to Parliament

On Thursday, April 14, 2022, the Prime Minister, Superintendent General (CPG) Alain Guillaume Bunyoni, presented the report on the implementation of the Government’s programme for the first semester, financial year 2021-2022, before the Parliament in Congress, at Kigobe, Hemicycle in Bujumbura Town.

During his presentation, the Prime Minister explained that the implementation of the Government’s programme was characterised by careful management of public finances, adding that it was based on national resources with, to a certain extent, the contribution of some development partners. He indicated that the average implementation rate is 39.9%, which is to be compared to 50%, the highest score for the first half of the year.

This report is a mid-term assessment, indicating, Ministry by Ministry, the Government’s achievements during the period from 1 July to 31 December 2021, for all real actions planned.

Therefore for instance, one of the objectives of the Ministry of Justice was to improve access to justice for all. It organized programmes of courts and tribunals in criminal matters, and 210 cases were scheduled to be closed. The Ministry closed 232 cases, and the target was achieved at a rate of 50%.

According to Alain Guillaume Bunyoni, among the challenges that have had a negative impact on the implementation of some actions planned for this period are notably the covid-19 pandemic and the adequacy of the State expenditure necessary for the country’s development to the resources actually available thanks to responsible public finance management.

During the debates, the Senate Speaker, Right Honourable Emmanuel Sinzohagera, deplored the fact that the Ministry of Communication, Information Technology and Media had an achievement rate of 31.3%, and advised all ministries to set realistic targets.

Other concerns raised by parliamentarians include mainly the delay in the process of allocating plots of land in Kizingwe-Bihara and Nkenga-Busoro quarters, drinking water supply and the construction of public infrastructure in the political capital of Gitega, the decentralisation of state funds, the harmonization of the pupils assessment system and many others.