BUJUMBURA, Dec 26 (ABP) – The construction of provincial offices for the governors of Burunga, Buhumuza, and Gitega at a cost of 4 billion BIF, and the strengthening of security throughout Burundi, are among the top priorities deemed important for contributing to sustainable development. This was the response of Finance Minister Alain Ndikumana to a question posed by members of parliament during the adoption of the draft law amending the State budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
In the field of education, Dr. Ndikumana announced that a system for repaying loan-scholarship granted to students during their academic studies has been established to recover the expenses incurred by the State for other public projects.
The members of parliament also raised the issue of the consumption of prohibited beverages and drugs, especially among young people. They cited ethyl alcohol, which is harmful to public health. Minister Ndikumana responded that a responsible leader should hold accountable those involved in the sale of these beverages, in order to work together to combat drug use.
In discussions concerning the amendment to the State General Budget Law for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, the MPs agreed on the need to tighten security, the foundation of sustainable development. Dr. Alain Ndikumana indicated that financial resources would be allocated to the Ministry of National Defense to reinforce peace and security.
They also emphasized the importance of the boarding school meal program, which is included in the budget. Minister Ndikumana reiterated the goal of increasing the number of boarding schools. He revealed that adequate resources have been allocated to feed boarding school students, amounting to 12 billion Burundi francs (BIF).
The Minister of Finance stated: “The education sector is supported through the establishment of boarding schools and loan-scholarships, totaling 22.5 billion BIF. The boarding school feeding program, for its part, benefits from 6.9 billion Burundi francs.”
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Gélase Daniel Ndabirabe indicated that progress toward the 2040-2060 national vision is positive, given the changing mindsets and a spirit of civic engagement. He also mentioned the consideration given to the 2025-2027 macroeconomic stabilization strategy, which aims for the effective coordination of fiscal and monetary policy, as well as the implementation of structural reforms.