PROJECT KICKOFF
Construction on the Musasa-Kirinzi water system began November 1, 2019. You made this possible! Follow along between today and Valentine’s Day 2020 and watch the progress and results. The Musasa-Kirinzi water system is our 54th project overall. See the full list of projects here.
At the outset, this community, located in Rutundwe Colline, Songa Commune, had a primary water source several miles away from the community, 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 will serve 1,600 people when complete.
Project Overview
Cost: $47,920
Scope: 4.300km, (2.67 miles) include 7 tap stands
Construction Dates: November 1, 2019 - January 20, 2020 ( early completion!) Original date February 14, 2020.
Employ: Approximately 55 local people includes plumbers and masons
Will serves: over 1,600 residents in the surrounding area
Project Schematics
Schematic drawing of the Musasa-Kirinzi Extension Water System. When complete 1,600 people will have daily access to clean water.
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.
3 FACTS ABOUT GAZELLE FOUNDATION WATER SYSTEMS
Tap stands, like the one pictured in the schematic drawings, are strategically positioned throughout the village within easy walking distance to schools, churches, community centers to maximize access points for residents.
Local workers are hired to construct the water system, this means local citizens know exactly how to maintain and repair the system. To date over 50 projects have been funded and built because of generous financial support from people like you.
The first water system we built was completed in 2009. The Songa-Fuku Water System is 4.100km (2.54 miles) in length, has 10 tap stands, and to this day it provides daily access to clean water to 1,500 people.
Dr. Thomas Byrd describes the Immediate impact of clean water in burundi (1-minute video)
Field Update 1: Interim Progress
Progress on the Masasa-Kirinzi water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well and the estimated completion date is February 14 2020. Milestones completed as of December 28, 2019 include:
2 tap stands are complete
Digging trenches is around 4km
Connection of pipes is around 3.5km
Field Update 2: Interim Progress
Progress on the Masasa-Kirinzi water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well and the estimated completion date is February 14 2020. Milestones completed as of January 15, 2020 include:
6 tap stands are complete
2 water tanks are complete
All trenching is complete (4.300km)
Connection of pipes is around 4km
System Completion
The Musasa-Kirizi water system was completed on January 20, 2020, nearly a month ahead of schedule. It serves 1,600 people and provided work for 60 local residents.
It brings us, 1,600 people, closer to achieving our goal of providing every person in Burundi with clean water, the highest quality of life, and hope within reach.
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.