PROJECT KICKOFF
Construction on the Bitoke-Kiriza Extension water system began in July 2019. See the full list of projects here.
At the outset, this community, located in Gisisye Colline and Tara Colline of Songa and Matana Commune, had a primary water source several miles away from the community, inhabitants had to walk significant distances to small springs and water pools, to obtain all the water for their daily use, and the water there is contaminated.
Preventable, water-borne diseases are the leading cause of death in Burundi, which has the 12th highest child mortality rate globally. Communities with Gazelle Foundation water systems have drastically reduced, and in some cases eliminated, the presence of water-borne illnesses among the families that live in them.
Thanks to our generous supporters, this project serves 2,100 people.
Project Overview
Construction Dates: July 2019 - November 2019
Cost: $66,426
Scope: 10.200km, (6.34 miles)
5 tanks
14 tap stands
Employ: 60 local people including masons and plumbers
Serves 2,100 residents in the surrounding area, Kiriza Anglican church, Kiriza primary students (668 students & teachers), Kiriza college (156 students & teachers)
Project Schematics
Where or What is a Colline?
In the United States we have states, cities, and counties, etc… learn more about the subdivisions in Burundi.
Inhabitants of the community collecting water from Kibarazi River. See schematic design above to learn how construction of this water system will enable this family to collect clean safe water closer to home.
HOW IT WORKS
This project combines three water sources for a flow rate of 1 liter-per second. Water is captured from a source and filtered in the collection chamber and flows onward. Entrenched PVC pipe carries water to tanks, and to multiple tap stands. Tap stands are strategically positioned within easy walking distance to schools, churches, community centers and other central locations including Kiriza primary school (668 students and teachers), Kiriza college (156 students and teachers), Kiriza Anglican church (150 people per Sunday) to maximize access points for residents. Water is available for free to all people regardless of the person’s tribe or religion.
Follow our progress on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date details.
SAFER COMMUNITIES
Water collection is a job traditionally done by women and children. Our clean water systems reduce the average distance traveled to access water from 4 miles to one-quarter mile. These shorter distances eliminated the dangers of traversing mountainous terrain, or near dangerous, untreated water sources. It also allows children to spend more time in school and provides women with time to develop trades or care for home and family.
Field Update: Interim Progress
Thanks to your generosity construction crews in Burundi are still at work on the Bitoke-Kiriza Extension Water System. The scope of work and schematic drawing gives the nuts and bolts but not the human impact. Follow along on social media to see the progress from delivery of supplies to digging trenches where PVC pipes will be laid to the faces of the children and families that will be able to turn a spigot on and get clean water close to home.
The availability of clean water and the resulting improvements in health and education begin to reverse the cycle of poverty. According to the World Bank, returns on education investment are the largest in Africa over any other continent, and each additional year of schooling raises earnings by 11% for boys and 14% for girls.
Milestones completed as of October 19, 2019:
Water source catchements and protection of sources are 100% complete
Collection chamber is complete
Tanks 1, 2, and 3 are 100% complete
Pictures of project progress emailed to Gazelle Foundation receipts for all materials and full accounting of all expenses emailed to Gazelle Foundation Foundation
Provide Gazelle Foundation with GPS coordinates of water source
Tank 4 is on 90% complete
7 tap stands are 100% complete
8 km of hand trenching is complete
Connection of hand-dug pipes is at 6.0 km ( in mid-Sept it was at 3.2.km)
System Completion
Meet Greta
She’s a 5th grader whose life has been transformed thanks to a different Gazelle Foundation water project. Read more about Greta and her classmates and the educational opportunities they have because you've given them clean water.
JOIN OUR MISSION
This project was funded by our wonderful supporters. We thank these generous individuals for changing the lives of the people in this community through access to clean water.
Our next water system depends on you! We have 36 months of shovel-ready projects lined up - all we need is your support. Help us give the gift of clean water to those that need it most.