KIRUNDO January 30th (ABP) – The Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Audace Niyonzima and the Minister of Trade, Transport, Industry and Tourism, Mrs. Marie Chantal Nijimbere, met on Tuesday on January 24, 2023, the people of Kirundo and the heads of services to discuss their concerns.
In his welcoming address, the governor of Kirundo province, Mr. Albert Hatungimana, indicated that some citizens have not yet understood why the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR) and the communes all collect taxes and duties. He also mentioned the case of dismissal of employees of SOGESTAL Kirundo-Muyinga, without having been put in their rights. He pointed out that the OBR does not have its own office in that province and that the border post of Gasenyi-Nemba does not have scales for the vehicles transporting the goods. He also asked the Minister in charge of finance to facilitate the development of a large marsh in Bugabira commune shared by Rwanda, with a view to increasing agricultural production.
Regarding the Ministry in charge of trade, Governor Hatungimana indicated that Kirundo province still faces challenges in the marketing of BRARUDI products and BUCECO cement, especially the prices which are not the same in all corners of the province. He also pointed out that the province has taken the measure to protect agricultural production by blocking the food that is sent to other provinces, except with the authorization of the competent authorities. He did not fail to mention the rise in food prices, while adding that 4800 liters of prohibited drinks were spilled.
Minister Niyonzima shed light on those grievances, noting that the working methods at the level of the OBR have already been defined, but not yet for the communes. He promised that all ambiguities will soon be removed. In the case of SOGESTAL employees, he said that the file is known and that they are conducting investigations to find solutions.
Regarding the provincial office of the OBR, Mr. Niyonzima asked the provincial administration to find land to build that infrastructure. He also provided advice to the population of that locality, saying that they must work hard to increase agricultural production in order to ensure the welfare of their households.
For the concerns addressed to the Minister in charge of trade, Mrs. Nijimbere indicated that the retailers of BRARUDI products do not have the right to obtain supplies from the Megas. For the case of the marketing of BRARUDI products and BUCECO cement, she asked traders to respect the prices and measures taken by the competent authorities. For the case of those who take a long journey to get supplies and who ask for higher retail prices, Minister Nijimbere said that they will rule on that case and find solutions.