PROJECT KICKOFF
Construction on the Kanyinya-Nyagihotora extension water system has begun.
At the outset this community, located in Gitanga Colline of Matana Commune, Bururi Province, had just 7 tap stands to serve 3,000 residents, none are located near the region’s two primary schools, or church. By abject necessity, the majority of the population relies on a primary water source that is 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.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Construction dates: February 22, 2019 - June 19, 2019
Located in the Gitanga Colline of the Matana Commune
Scope: 11.05km pipeline
5 new storage tanks (plus refurbishment of the existing 3 tanks)
11 new tap stands (plus refurbishment of 7 existing tap stands)
Employees: 100 including masons and plumbers
Serves 3,000 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.
Among the 3,000 beneficiaries of this water system are; 414 students and teachers of Nyagihotora primary school, 476, students and teachers of Kinyinya primary school, 350 worshipers of Nyagihotora Pentecote Church.
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.
Construction Update
FIELD UPDATE 1: INTERIM PROGRESS
Progress on the Musinzira-Rwasanga-Mahango water system is underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well. Milestones completed as of May 2, 2019, include:
Purchase, transportation, delivery of project supplies
Protect catchment at the source
Collection chamber is completed
Tank 1 is 50% complete
Digging trenches is around 3 km
Connection of pipes is around 2km
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Kanyinya-Nyagihotora water system was completed on June 19, 2019. It serves 3,000 people and provided work for 100 local residents.
It brings us, 3,000 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.