Project Kickoff
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Dandaza water system began in September, 2012. The Project will extend an existing water project that was not accessible to this community.This improvement will greatly improve the population’s health and well-being. See the full list of projects here.
At the outset, this community located in Songa region had a primary water source several miles away from the community, residents would access water small springs and water pools that were 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 1,510 people when complete.
Project Overview
Construction dates: September 12, 2012 to November 12, 2012
Located in Dandaza area, Songa
Cost $21,168.
Scope: 1.7km pipeline
1 storage tanks
4 tap stands
Employees: 45 including masons and plumbers
Serves 1,510 residents
Project Schematics
Where or What is a Colline?
In the United States we have states, cities, and counties… learn more about geographic subdivisions in Burundi.
HOW IT WORKS
Water is captured from a source (spring) 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.
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FIELD UPDATE: INTERIM PROGRESS REPORT 1
Progress on the Dandaza water system is well underway, with a projected completion date of November 2012. Milestones 8 weeks into construction:
Initial materials purchased and transported from Bujumbura
Receipts for all materials and full accounting of all expenses emailed to Gazelle Foundation
Site prepared catchment is complete
Digging pipeline nearing completion
Storage tanks nearing completion
Tap stand construction has begun
Storage tank nearing completion
Clean Water Means 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.
Clean water is available to all during construction. Residents are able to collect clean water from the distribution line as its installed before the tap stand is complete.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Dandaza water system was completed on November 12, 2012. It serves 1,510 people and provided work for 45 local residents.
It brings us, 1,510 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 water system was funded by wonderful supporters like you. We thank these generous individuals for changing the everyday lives of the people in this community through access to clean water.
Our work relies on the generosity of our supporters. Access to clean water means access to better health, stronger community, jobs, education, and most of all: hope. Help us give the gift of clean water to those that need it most.