BUJUMBURA July 5th (ABP) – On the eve of the celebration of the 61st anniversary of Burundi’s independence, the President of the Republic of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, delivered a message to the nation in which he urged taxpayers to pay taxes and duties in accordance with the law in order to avoid delays in the implementation of the country’s development projects.
The Head of State said that the celebration of the 61st anniversary of Burundi’s independence is an opportunity to look back and pull oneself together. It is also an opportunity to prepare for the Diamond Jubilee (75 years) of Burundi’s independence, which will take place in 2037. His wish is to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee when Burundi is in stage of economic and social independence, with visible proof testifying that actual independence has been achieved.
To achieve economic independence, he urged taxpayers to pay taxes and duties in accordance with the relevant law, without cheating, so that the country can implement development projects on time.
“No country can develop without the voluntary payment of taxes and duties by taxpayers. If taxpayers pay taxes in accordance with the law, it is a sign of patriotism, and it is an opportunity to show their role in the development of the country,” President Ndayishimiye said.
To achieve independence effectively, the Head of State also asked the people of Burundi to avoid laziness as the country is embarking on a major program of development projects, including road infrastructure, energy in sufficient quantity, sufficient drinking water, school and health infrastructure in rural and urban areas and others. He asked them to roll up their sleeves, and to produce more.
“Lazy people and thieves have no place in our country,” he insisted. We must follow the legacy of the hero of the independence of Burundi, Prince Louis Rwagasore, who has constantly castigated the bad behavior that undermines the development of the country.
At a time when all over the world there are displacements of populations caused by pandemics, climate change, conflicts, and others, Burundi ought to maintain ties of friendship and cooperation with other countries. He asked the people of Burundi to take the lead in the fight against pandemics, to be resilient to climate change, to maintain peace and tighten security, to help one another with other countries.
To properly manage the public treasury, and implement development projects for Burundian citizens, the Head of State said he has initiated the “budget-program model” policy where the projects to be financed and the interest that they will bring for the country are demonstrated, before taking out the money from the coffers of the State. He also plans to continue to punish those responsible for embezzlement of the public treasury, those who indulge in and perceive corruption, but also to promote good governance and justice for all.