On August 10, 2024, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye conducted an inspection of various public and private locations within the Mukaza urban commune to evaluate hygiene and sanitation standards. Following this visit, he issued a directive mandating that all public and private institutions undertake thorough cleaning of their premises and surroundings before resuming their regular activities starting Monday.
During his inspection, President Ndayishimiye visited a range of facilities, including government offices, bars, schools, and restaurants, and even engaged in waste collection himself. He observed that while many Burundians take pride in their personal appearance, they often neglect the cleanliness of their environments. The President criticized this discrepancy, asserting that true patriotism involves maintaining a clean homeland.
He warned that poor sanitation could lead to health issues, including disease outbreaks such as cholera, and hinder sustainable development. Emphasizing the importance of changing attitudes toward hygiene, President Ndayishimiye urged all Burundians, especially urban residents, to integrate cleanliness into their daily routines as part of the nation’s broader vision for development and progress.