Authors :
Seth Mbonimpa; Jean Claude Ngenzi; Daniel Hatungimana; Samuel Rudahinyuka; Legrand Cirimwami
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3hxtwp76
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/4z7c8y9t
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb1156
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
In Burundi, the construction sector is characterized by the presence of highly skilled human capital. However, the
sector is also marked by inefficient resource management, with construction waste being perceived as an unavoidable
problem rather than a potential source of profit. In view of this observation, the present study assesses the financial impact
of these losses in Bujumbura, Burundi's economic capital, with a view to identifying operational levers that can transform
this constraint into an opportunity for profitability. The research is grounded in a mixed methodology, integrating a
perception survey of 47 professionals within the sector and in-depth audits of 11 construction sites overseen by seasoned
executives.
The findings of the data analysis suggest a phenomenon that can be termed the "expert paradox": despite the fact that
90% of site managers are seasoned engineers, the reality on the ground demonstrates a persistent managerial deficiency.
Indeed, the findings of the audit revealed that 91% of the sites had no formal waste management system in place, and 82%
lacked documentation to track actual consumption. This disorganization has been shown to result in considerable financial
losses, with material losses estimated at between 5% and 20% of the total project budget, primarily attributable to a paucity
of daily supervision and operational rigour.
In conclusion, the study demonstrates that waste minimization is not a challenge of technical competence, but of site
governance. The principal contribution of this study is to demonstrate the necessity of transitioning to a culture of
traceability and systematic control. The replacement of current informal practices with rigorous management strategies is
a potential catalyst for transformation of waste into a strategic investment for construction companies in Burundi. This, in
turn, can ensure their overall performance and economic viability
Keywords :
The Following Themes are to be Considered: Construction Waste, Economic Impact, Construction Sites, Sustainable Practices and Waste Minimization.
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In Burundi, the construction sector is characterized by the presence of highly skilled human capital. However, the
sector is also marked by inefficient resource management, with construction waste being perceived as an unavoidable
problem rather than a potential source of profit. In view of this observation, the present study assesses the financial impact
of these losses in Bujumbura, Burundi's economic capital, with a view to identifying operational levers that can transform
this constraint into an opportunity for profitability. The research is grounded in a mixed methodology, integrating a
perception survey of 47 professionals within the sector and in-depth audits of 11 construction sites overseen by seasoned
executives.
The findings of the data analysis suggest a phenomenon that can be termed the "expert paradox": despite the fact that
90% of site managers are seasoned engineers, the reality on the ground demonstrates a persistent managerial deficiency.
Indeed, the findings of the audit revealed that 91% of the sites had no formal waste management system in place, and 82%
lacked documentation to track actual consumption. This disorganization has been shown to result in considerable financial
losses, with material losses estimated at between 5% and 20% of the total project budget, primarily attributable to a paucity
of daily supervision and operational rigour.
In conclusion, the study demonstrates that waste minimization is not a challenge of technical competence, but of site
governance. The principal contribution of this study is to demonstrate the necessity of transitioning to a culture of
traceability and systematic control. The replacement of current informal practices with rigorous management strategies is
a potential catalyst for transformation of waste into a strategic investment for construction companies in Burundi. This, in
turn, can ensure their overall performance and economic viability
Keywords :
The Following Themes are to be Considered: Construction Waste, Economic Impact, Construction Sites, Sustainable Practices and Waste Minimization.