Burundi’s Building Regulators Crack Down on Unlicensed Construction
Ensuring Public Safety through Building Permits
In an effort to guarantee public safety and enforce building regulations, the Directorate of Urban Planning and Habitat (DGHU) has launched a series of measures to verify that construction projects have obtained necessary permits before commencing work.
On-Site Inspections to Verify Compliance
During a three-day period, DGHU officials will conduct on-site inspections to check whether construction plans comply with existing building regulations. The agency will verify that:
- Construction plans are in line with approved documents, including the “plan d’occupation des sols”
- Discrepancies or missing documentation are addressed before the inspection is completed
Permit Fees and Taxes
Property owners and developers must also pay permit fees and construction taxes at the Banque de la Republique du Burundi. The cost of the permit is:
- 0.6% of the estimated construction cost per square meter
- Urban development costs depend on the location of the construction
Certification Process
Once the construction is completed, property owners will need to request an “attestation de mise en valeur et de conformité” from DGHU, which validates that the construction has been built according to approved plans. The agency will conduct a final inspection to ensure compliance with building regulations before issuing:
- A certificate of conformity
- Proof of development
Broader Effort to Improve Efficiency and Transparency
The measures are part of a broader effort to improve the efficiency and transparency of Burundi’s building permit process, aiming to:
- Reduce corruption
- Minimize the risk of unauthorized construction projects
“We are committed to ensuring that all construction projects in our city comply with safety standards and building regulations,” said a DGHU official. “By verifying permits and conducting regular inspections, we can protect public health and safety while promoting sustainable development.”