PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Gahanda-Rwego water system #48 began on September 20, 2018 and was completed January 7, 2019. This community, located in the Rwega Colline of the Bururi Province currently walks signifcant distances to natural springs and pools where the water 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 fresh water to 2,750 of people when complete.
Project Overview
Construction dates: September 20, 2018 - January 7, 2019
Located in Songa commune
Scope: 10 km pipeline
3 storage tanks
11 tap stands
Employees: 50 including masons and plumbers
Serves 2,750 residents
Project Schematics
Schematics of the Gahanda-Rwego system show the extensive network of water distribution pipelines. 4.5 km of central pipeline connects storage tanks, and distribution pipelines connect to tap stands throughout the community.
The first phase of construction is transporting supplies to the work site. Transporting rocks to the construction site is not easy in Burundi. There’s no Home Depot or Lowes, and trucks can only get the materials so far. Meaning rocks, PVC, and bags of concrete are often times transported by hand, or wheelbarrow, to the construction location.
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.
Rendering of a typical tap stand, learn more about how we build water systems.
Construction is Low Tech & Sustainable
Hiring local workers for the projects also develops local knowledge for upkeep and maintenance, as the ownership of all water systems are turned over to the community upon completion.
On The Ground With Jean Bosco
While we couldn’t do the work we do without our supporters here at home, we also rely on our dedicated partners on the ground in Burundi. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our long-time project manager, is a critical part of the team bringing clean water to those that need it most. He has a front-row seat to the beneficial impact on local economies, health, and education - all due to clean water.
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.
Project Updates
Interim Progress Update 1
Initial materials purchased, site prepared
Secondary materials purchased
Materials purchasing complete
Initial pipeline in place, tap stand construction begins
Interim Project Update: 2
Progress on the Gahanda-Rwega water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well.
Collection chamber masonry begins
Storage tanks nearing completion
Storage tanks sealed
System testing is underway
With a reliable water source near residents can do more. They can earn an income, grow food — all of which fight poverty. Being able to give livestock water makes animals healthier, which also helps improve soil health. Clean water really does changes everything.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Gahanda-Rwega water system was completed on January 7, 2019. It serves 2,750 people. Construction of the system provided work for 50 local residents.
Completion of this system brings us 2,750 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. Read more about the handover.
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.