Financial Crime World

Burundi’s Construction Permit Process: A Study in Complexity and Delays

Kigali, Rwanda - In an effort to streamline its business environment, Burundi has introduced new procedures for obtaining construction permits. However, a recent study by Doing Business 2020 reveals that the process remains complex and time-consuming.

Complexity and Delays

According to the report, it takes a staggering 144 days to obtain a building permit in Burundi, significantly longer than the regional average of 120 days. The process involves 15 procedures, including geotechnical studies, topographic surveys, and inspections by various government agencies.

Step-by-Step Process

Here is an overview of the construction permit process in Burundi:

  • Geotechnical Study: Conduct a geotechnical study, which takes 14 days and costs BIF 600,000 (approximately $400).
  • Application Submission: Submit an application for the building permit at the Directorate of Urban Planning and Habitat (DGHU), requiring documents such as property titles, construction plans, and estimated cost of construction.
  • Inspections: The DGHU conducts a series of inspections during the construction process, including final inspections before issuing a certificate of conformity. The entire process takes a minimum of six months.

Local Builder’s Perspective

“It’s a very complex and time-consuming process,” said a local builder, who wished to remain anonymous. “There are so many procedures and inspections that it’s hard to keep track of everything.”

Lack of Transparency

The report also highlights the lack of transparency in Burundi’s construction permit process. While building laws and regulations are available online, they are not easily accessible or understandable for most builders.

  • No Clear Requirements: There is no clear requirement for third-party entities to verify compliance with building regulations during the construction process.
  • Concerns about Quality: This has led to concerns about the quality of construction work in the country.

Government Commitment

Despite these challenges, the Burundian government has vowed to improve the business environment and simplify the construction permit process. “We are committed to creating a more favorable business climate that encourages investment and job creation,” said a government spokesperson.

Conclusion

In the meantime, builders and developers in Burundi will have to continue navigating the complex web of procedures and regulations to obtain a construction permit. While efforts are being made to improve the system, it is clear that significant changes are needed to make the process more efficient and transparent.