GITEGA, April 13 (ABP) – The Vice President of the Republic of Burundi, Prosper Bazombanza, held a meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026, with administrative officials from Gitega commune, from the communal level down to the zones, to assess the progress of the ongoing administrative reform.
At the center of the discussions was the implementation of the government policy aimed at bringing administration and justice closer to citizens through the new territorial organization.
Referring to this reform, the Vice President emphasized that zones now play an increased role, with some assuming responsibilities comparable to those of the former communes.
In this context, each zone is now equipped with a local court, while communes host High Courts, a measure intended to further bring justice closer to the population.
Mr. Bazombanza also urged administrative officials to serve the population in strict compliance with the law, aligning with the vision of an emerging Burundi by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.
He also stressed the need to strengthen cleanliness, improve urbanization, and ensure compliance with construction standards.
He further recommended the effective establishment of consultative bodies in order to better address citizens’ concerns.
Regarding the management of public finances, the Vice President called on administrative officials to refer to the Annual Work Plan and Budget (PTBA) to ensure consistency between expenditures and national priorities.
He also called for rigorous tax collection in strict compliance with the legal framework, while recalling provisions related to land taxation and rents.
Concerning the foundations of development, Mr. Bazombanza stated that the government continues its efforts in the education sector, particularly through the production of school desks and the rehabilitation of public infrastructure, in order to improve working and learning conditions, as well as in other sectors.
Earlier, the governor of Gitega province, Mr. Liboire Bigirimana, indicated that the province remains generally calm across its nine communes.
In terms of development, he noted that efforts are ongoing, particularly in the construction of public infrastructure, as well as in the promotion of hygiene and sanitation, especially in urban areas where residents actively participate in cleaning activities.