PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Mutsinda-Jenda Phase 2 water system began on May 31, 2011. This community, located in Songa Colline, Bururi Province, had very limited water resources located several miles away from the area and the water there was contaminated. Phase 1 of the project provided two primary schools with access to clean water.
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 will serve 1,220 residents when complete.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Construction dates: May 31, 2011 - September 11, 2011
Located in the Songa Colline, Bururi Province
Cost: $21,845
Scope: 1km pipeline
2 tanks
6 tap stands
Employees: 65 including masons and plumbers
Serves 1,220 residents
Project Schematics
HOW IT WORKS
Water is captured from a source before it can become contaminated. It is 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 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.
CLEAN WATER MEANS EDUCATION
Without access to clean water, people must spend valuable time collecting water for daily use, and they are sick more often, due to preventable water-borne diseases. Both of these have a disproportionate impact on children, whose school attendance suffers because they are needed at home or are simply ill. With clean, accessible water, these barriers to education disappear.
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.
FIELD UPDATE 1: INTERIM PROGRESS
Progress on the Mutsinda-Jenda Phase 2 water system is underway and the estimated completion date is September 2011. Milestones completed as of July 14, 2011 include:
Purchase, transportation, and delivery of project supplies
Source construction began
Trenches for pipes began
Cistern and collection chamber masonry began
FIELD UPDATE 2: INTERIM PROGRESS
We are happy to report that at this stage the overall progress of activities is on schedule. Milestones as of August 11, 2011 include:
Pipeline, collection chambers, and storage tanks nearing completion
Fountain construction began
Pipes to fountains installed
WATER SYSTEM COMPLETE
The Mutsinda-Jenda Phase 2 water system was completed on September 11, 2011, on time and on budget. This gravity system serves 1,220 people in the area, aiming to improve heath and living conditions among the communities in the Songa commune.
One of the key components of our work is the handoff of the water system. Upon completion, we turn ownership and stewardship of the system over to the community. The local workers employed to build our systems have the maintenance knowledge that allows for greater long-term viability and sustainability of our systems.
JOIN OUR MISSION
This project was funded by wonderful supporters like you. 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.