By Avit Ndayiziga
On Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Hemicycle of Kigobe, Prime Minister Gervais NDIRAKOBUCA presented a biannual report before both Chambers of the Parliament of Burundi, convened in Congress as per Article 168, Paragraph 4 of the Constitution. The report highlighted the annual work plan and budget (PTBA) implementation for the second semester of the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
The Prime Minister cited several obstacles hindering effective budget execution, including currency fluctuations, a lack of a solid legal framework, and insufficient strategic planning. These factors have collectively impeded the government’s ability to effectively execute its planned initiatives.
“We began implementing the budget program with uncertainty, and even now, anyone who claims we are not still facing challenges is misleading,” lamented the Prime Minister. He emphasized that effective execution of the budget program necessitates expertise in planning, a skillset he believes is currently lacking within different ministries. “When you look across our ministries, we do not have individuals who excel in planning,” he added, pointing out that the budget program was initiated before establishing its legal framework.
The Prime Minister pointed to currency fluctuations as another major challenge, exacerbated by factors like the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has driven up prices for construction materials. “These fluctuations have not only affected our budget planning but also threatened the overall stability of public works initiatives. With construction costs soaring, many projects face delays or require a re-evaluation of their financial frameworks,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Ndirakobuca expressed satisfaction with an 80.43% completion rate for activities and an 80.09% budget execution rate, adding that budget overruns were minimal.
Lawmakers Express Disappointment
However, lawmakers expressed disappointment over what they termed “completion” that primarily diverted budget funds into training programs rather than tangible actions. “The report is readable, but it fails to present quantifiable results, as well as a clear distinction for non-quantifiable outcomes. Furthermore, it lacks an assessment of the quality and efficiency of these results,” said one lawmaker.
A key area of concern was the public procurement code, which has been criticized for its inefficiencies and delays, which often lead to project cancellations. The Prime Minister invited suggestions for amendments, as revisions to the code are underway.
The National Assembly President, Honorable Gelase Daniel Ndabirabe, defended the procurement process, stating it aligns with the program budget and follows a structured timeline. He suggested that a visit to the World Bank could provide valuable insights for refining the process.
Burundi’s 2040 and 2060 Vision Lacks Implementation Plan
As Burundi aims to achieve emerging and developed nation status by 2040 and 2060, lawmakers questioned whether the government is making measurable progress. The Prime Minister admitted that a strategic plan for the vision remains pending, and lawmakers proposed monitoring indicators like electrification, clean water access, internet penetration, and GDP as benchmarks.
Additionally, some praised Burundi’s substantial progress within the sub-region in implementing its budget program. While challenges persist, particularly in aligning implementation with legal framework development, Burundi’s experience in this area was recognized as a valuable, marketable model.
Concerns Over Ministerial Accountability
Senate President Emmanuel Sinzohagera expressed a strong desire for open and constructive collaboration with the executive branch, particularly concerning the implementation of legislative recommendations. He pointed out that it has become evident that some ministers repeatedly fail to adhere to these recommendations, often returning with the same errors in their approaches.
Sinzohagera went on to criticize and caution ministers who fail to respond to parliamentary summons or refuse to meet with members of Parliament, calling such behavior a grave disrespect to the citizens who elected them. “This disregard undermines the trust placed in us by our constituents and hampers our collective efforts to serve the public effectively,” he stated, adding that the Senate would withhold future invitations from ministers who do not show respect for their voters.
Exiled activist Pacific Ininahazwe highlighted a growing frustration among lawmakers over the government’s accountability and responsiveness amidst pressing challenges like fuel shortages, inflation, and more. “Sinzohagera’s call for improved cooperation aims to foster a more effective governance framework, ensuring that ministers are held accountable for their actions and that the voices of elected representatives are heard in the decision-making process,” he noted.
From the opposition, Kefa Nibizi, a prominent politician and Vice President of the FRODEBU party, criticized Sinzohagera’s call for greater collaboration with the executive branch. He suggested that Sinzohagera’s appeal is more about appeasing frustrated citizens as elections draw near. “Sinzohagera’s plea appears to be an attempt to calm the frustrations of voters who feel neglected,” Nibizi remarked. “With elections on the horizon, there’s a palpable urgency to address the concerns of the electorate.”