Background and objectives:
Since 1993, Burundi has experienced internal strife and political instability. With the support of the international community, a peace agreement was signed in 2004 and national and local democratic elections were held in 2005. The government has introduced an urgent economic and social recovery programme aimed at alleviating poverty, stabilising peace and promoting good governance and democracy.  Recognizing that urbanization and adequate regional planning are key issues for sustainable development, the government requested UNDP and UN-HABITAT’s assistance in formulating a national housing and urbanization policy. The objectives are to provide technical support to formulate a housing and urban development policy, through a participatory process involving government, local authorities, NGOs and CBOs.
Activities:
The main activities included:
- Establishment of a steering committee comprised of central and local administration officers, civil society representatives, donors, and community representatives to monitor project implementation.
- Preparing terms of reference for national and international consultants.
- Recruiting consultants for the following studies: urban and regional planning, assessment of housing and basic services needs, institutional and legal framework, land issues, building materials, access to basic urban services, housing finance and urban governance.
- Preparing a situation analysis report.
- Consulting with stakeholders through workshops.
- Formulating a policy paper to be submitted to the government for endorsement.
Results:
The following results were delivered:
- Project launched by the President in Gitega in November 2006.
- Steering committee created and operational.
- National and international consultants recruited
- Situation analysis prepared and validated during three regional workshops.
- Policy paper prepared and validated during national workshop in April 2008.
- Policy paper endorsed by the government .
- Translation of the document into local languages for dissemination countrywide.
- UNDP agreed to fund a Phase 2, starting in 2009, to prepare an action plan.
