Buterere landfill : urgent measures announced to relieve congestion at a site under pressure

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, June 2, 2026 – The Buterere landfill, located west of the Ntahangwa district, north of Burundi’s commercial capital, is facing serious management challenges that are disrupting the collection and processing of household waste. In response to this situation, the Minister of Infrastructure, Equipment, and Social Housing, Engineer Égide Nijimbere, announced last weekend a series of measures aimed at improving the operation of this strategic site.

A landfill deemed overcrowded but poorly managed

In a press interview, the Minister indicated that the Buterere landfill is currently considered overcrowded. However, according to him, this situation stems more from management problems than from a genuine lack of available space.

He specified that the site has not yet reached its maximum capacity. The current difficulties are reportedly linked to poor management, the age of the collection trucks, and the advanced state of disrepair of the access road, built in the 1980s.

Severely disrupted waste collection

According to the minister, repeated breakdowns of garbage trucks have led to collection interruptions in several neighborhoods of Bujumbura. This situation has resulted in an accumulation of garbage in households, with increasing risks to hygiene and public health.

Short- and medium-term measures announced

To address this crisis, the ministry is planning several urgent actions. These include the rehabilitation of the road leading to the Buterere landfill and the redeployment of agents from the Burundi Office of Urban Planning, Housing and Construction (OBUHA) to better supervise dumping operations.

Technical authorities are also considering the establishment of new waste transit and disposal sites. Ministry agents will be deployed to guide trucks and organize unloading areas. Enhanced collaboration with local authorities is also planned to prevent any uncontrolled occupation of the remaining available space.

In the medium term, the government plans to continue technical studies, secure additional funding, and introduce a waste sorting system to optimize site use.

Funding already allocated

Minister Égide Nijimbere reassured the public that the necessary funds for the rehabilitation of the access road have already been allocated in the 2026-2027 budget. Work is expected to begin next year.

A persistent health risk

Despite these announcements, the Buterere landfill continues to pose a danger to local residents. Every day, children frequent the site to scavenge food scraps and various types of waste, particularly from wealthier households.

This situation exposes them to significant health risks. Cholera, regularly reported in this area, remains a major concern. Several observers believe that the Buterere landfill constitutes a veritable ecological and health time bomb, requiring urgent and sustained intervention.