Project Kickoff
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Fuku Extension water system began on October 30, 2012.
The Project extends an existing water system in the Fuku area to provide approximately 480 additional people with access to clean water., their primary water source was miles away from the village center and school. And it was also contaminated. This improvement will greatly improve the population’s health and well-being. Learn more about the original water system.
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 480 residents when complete.
Project Overview
Fuku Extension Water System - $4,784
Construction dates October 30- December 20, 2012
Located in Fuku region
1.200 km of pipeline
3 tap stands
Employ 50 people
Serve 480 residents
Project Schematics
During a Board Member’s visit to Burundi, the community asked about extending the existing Fuku water project to bring water to an additional segment of the population. Meet our Board of Directors and Advisors.
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.
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 Report 1
Progress on the Kabuki-Banda-Kiroro water system is well underway, with a projected completion date of December 2012. Milestones at 4 weeks:
Initial materials purchased and transported from Bujumbura
Site preparation
Workers scheduled
Trenches for pipes begins
Masonry for tap stands begins
pictures of project progress emailed to Gazelle Foundation
Receipts for all materials and a full accounting of all expenses were emailed to Gazelle
Foundation
Did You Know?
Due to certain regulations, it is very difficult for most charitable organizations to operate in Burundi. The Gazelle Foundation is able to operate in Burundi due to our unique structure and on-the-ground partnerships. Meet our project manager Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe.
Field Update: Interim Progress Report 2
Progress continues on time and on budget. Milestones at 6 weeks include:
Secondary materials purchased, transported and protected at site
Trenching complete
Pipeline in place
Tap stands nearing completion
Pictures of project progress emailed to Gazelle Foundation
Receipts for all materials and full accounting of all expenses were emailed to Gazelle
Foundation
System Completion
The Fuku Extension system was completed in December 2012, on time and on budget. It brings us, 480 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 generous 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.
