OFFICIAL OPENING OF LAND SERVICES AND LAUNCH OF GROUPED OPERATIONS RECOGNITION IN ISARE AND BUHINYUZA COMMUNES

The ceremonies took place to the rhythm of drums and dances that conveyed messages inviting citizens to use the communal land service to secure their land rights and thus prevent land linked conflicts

It was on the 30th of August 2021 when the commune of Isare in the province of Bujumbura officially opened the doors of its land service. The same activity took place in Buhinyuza (Muyinga province) on the 6th of September 2021. These two communes are beneficiaries of the actions of the Burundi Landscape Restoration and Resilience Project (BLRRP), a project that is financed by the World Bank. Presided over by the authorities of the provincial administration, the ceremonies were attended not only by a large number of people , but also by the national and provincial coordination of the PRRPB, representatives of the NGO ACORD, as well as experts from LADEC, which, in collaboration with IGNFI and GEOFIT, is in charge of the implementation of activities related to land certification within the project.

The ceremonies took place to the rhythm of drums and dances that conveyed messages inviting citizens to use the communal land service to secure their land rights and thus prevent land linked conflicts, which are among the main factors of disruption of social cohesion and peace in the community. The theme of the day was "BENEGIHUGU, ITURE IGISATA NTUNGANYAMATONGO MUTUNGE AMATONGO AZIRA AMATATI".

On the same occasion, land certification activities based on the systematic approach known as "Operations Groupees de Reconnaissance" (OGR) were officially launched on Karunga and Benga local areas of Isare commune as well as on Kiyange and Gasave local areas of Buhinyuza commune. It is expected that 12 'collines' in Buhinyuza commune and 10  in Isare will be covered by 'OGRs' throuhg the obove mentioned project. 

 In Isare , interesting exchanges took place between the communal administrator and the population on various subjects such as land conflicts and the importance of land certification. Various concerns were raised, particularly those relating to plundering of Batwa owned land and the issue of married women who have not been able to give birth and find themselves deprived of all land rights. It was therefore a good opportunity for the population to expose their fears to the Communal Administrator in the hope of finding a favourable outcome through these activities. 'In our commune, land certification through OGR will be free of charge for the 10 'collines' covered by the project," he reassured the population.

 In their allocutions, administrative authorities encouraged the population to take advantage of the PRRPB's support by responding massively to OGR activities. They particularly invited the recognition commissions (CRC) to keep on play their noble role. Indeed, it is these commissions that validate or invalidate land rights claims, but also involve themselves actively in mediations processes in case of land issues and conflicts.

In his speech, the IGNFI/GEOFIT/LADEC representative introduced the supervisors and support officers who will work with the Recognition Committees (CRCs) during these land certification activities. He made a vibrant appeal to women to be involved at the same level as men in the certification process. "On the land certificate that will be delivered to one household, there will be mention of co-ownership between the husband and wife," he said.

It should be noted that on the same occasion, the National Coordination of the PRRPB gave the two communes bicycles (6 per 'colline OGR') and a motorbike to each Service, and this will facilitate the work of the service agents.

The ceremonies ended with a detailed demonstration of the land survey procedure according to the 'OGR' approach.