Gitega : more than two years after the storms, the Christ Roi primary school in Mushasha remains in ruins

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, April 21, 2026 – In Gitega, the political capital of Burundi, the Christ Roi primary school in Mushasha remains in a state of advanced disrepair more than two years after being severely damaged by severe weather.

According to the school’s headmaster, Jean Claude Mbazumutima, the incident dates back to September 20, 2024, when violent rains accompanied by strong winds caused significant damage. The roof and the school’s framework were completely destroyed. Two pupils were injured, while the teachers’ and pupils’ school supplies were damaged.

To this day, no repairs have been carried out, a situation that the school administration strongly deplores. The pupils have been relocated to other premises furnished by the Catholic Church, which have been described as dilapidated and unsuitable for learning.

During the rainy season, these facilities allow water to seep into the classrooms. As a result, notebooks and books are regularly soaked, forcing teachers to suspend classes.

The school is a Catholic-affiliated institution.

Faced with this situation, the diocesan coordinator of education in Gitega, Father Théophile Ndayishimiye, states that steps are being taken with partners to begin the rehabilitation work. He specifies, however, that the current buildings will have to be completely demolished before any reconstruction, including the foundations and the construction of new walls.

The total cost of the work is estimated at 800 million Burundi francs.

For his part, Jean Nepomuscène Ndayavugwa, director of the education department in the Gitega district, indicates that the Burundian government has already contributed 30%, in accordance with the agreement established with the Catholic Church of Burundi. He adds that significant quantities of corrugated iron sheets have already been provided under this agreement.

According to him, the continuation of the project now depends on the commitment of the Catholic Church, which is being asked to mobilize the remaining funds necessary for the reconstruction of the school.