PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Kinyinya-Nyagihotora water system #52 began on February 25, 2019, and was completed June 5, 2019. The project expands and renovates existing water infrastructure built by a different entity years ago. The Gazelle Foundation re-engineered the system, constructed a collection chamber and water tanks that will supply this community with clean water for generations to come. Three sources in Kinyinya provide a flow rate of 1.2l/s. All existing infrastructure will be tested and repaired, new tanks and tap stands will be built to maximize access points throughout the community.
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.
Thanks to our generous supporters, this project will serve clean water to 3000 people.
Project Overview
Construction dates: February 25, 2019 to - June 15, 2019
Located in Matana Commune
Scope: 11.05 km
Renovation and testing of 3 existing storage tanks
Construction of 5 new storage tanks
Renovation and testing of 7 existing tap stands
Construction of 11 new tap stands
Employees: 100 including masons and plumbers
Serves 3,000 residents
Project Schematics
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 three sources before it can become contaminated. Water 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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See a rendering of a typical water system and learn more about how we build water systems.
Source Excavation: Digging is done by hand
The Collection Chamber is the heart of center of the water system. This water system has three water sources to provide adequate flow rate to sustain the population in this community.
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 Updates
Interim Progress Update: 1
Progress on the Kinyinya-Nygihotora water system is underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well. Milestones completed as of March 2, 2019, include:
Purchase, transportation, delivery of project supplies
digging trenches for pipes begins
Sources catchment protection of 3 sources are 60% complete
Rehabilitation and installation of pipeline is around 1.2km
Connection of new pipes is around 2km
Rehabilitation and testing of 3 tap stands is complete
Rehabilitation of 1 tank is complete
2 (of 11) new tap stands are complete
Digging trenches is around 2 km
Workers unload rocks for construction of water storage tank.
Workers finalize construction of the second of four storage tanks in the Kinyinya-Nygihotora water system
Interim Progress Update: 2
Distribution pipeline installation nearing completion
Construction of new water tanks continues
Construction of new tap stands continues
80% of pipes and trenches are covered to protect the system from damage
Pipeline to tap stands nearing completion
All smiles as children enjoy water at the construction site of a storage tank. Once the collection chamber is complete, clean water is available, including from the distribution pipeline pictured above
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Kinyinya-Nygihotora water system was completed on June 19, 2019. It serves 3000 people. Construction of the system provided work for 100 locals.
It brings us 3000 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.