PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Kirimbi-Mwungo water system #38 began on March 1, 2017, and was completed on June 1, 2017 This community, located in the Mutsinda Colline of the Bururi Province currently must travel significant distances on foot to natural springs and pools for water, water that is not always clean.
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, the Kirimbi-Mwungo water system now provides clean water to 1,900 people.
Project Overview
Construction dates: March 1, 2017- June 1, 2017
Located in the Songa Commune
Scope: 5 km pipeline
2 storage tanks
7 tap stands
Employees: 50 including masons and plumbers
Serves clean water to 1,900 people
Project Schematics
Schematics of the Kirimbi-Mwungo water system show the 5 km of pipeline connecting two tanks (labeled T1 and T2). Tap stands are strategically positioned within easy walking distance to the church and other central locations to maximize access points for residents.
The first phase of construction is transporting supplies to the work site. Transporting heavy materials, such as rocks bags of concrete, or, in this photo, clay, 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. This means they 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.
See a rendering of a typical water system and learn more about how we build water systems.
Source Excavation: Digging is done by hand
When the water system is complete, water is available for free to all people regardless of the person’s tribe or religion.
Economic Benefits of Clean Water Investment
According to the World Health Organization, every dollar invested in clean water yields $4 -$12 in economic returns. In Burundi, building water systems provides jobs and stimulates local economies in a country with one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, and where the average family lives on less than $600 a year.
This project benefits the local economy because the construction of the water system provided 50 locals with employment. Employed locals benefit from this project because they gain invaluable skills such as organizing construction plans and building a sustainable water system.
A lack of safe water, is far deadlier for children than war in more than a dozen conflict-affected countries, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports.
Project Updates
Interim Progress Update 1
Initial materials purchased
Site preparation
Trenching begins
Storage tank construction begins
Interim Progress Update 2
Materials purchasing complete, tap stands nearing completion
Pipeline in place, all pipes and trenches covered
Landscape restored, all work complete
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Kirimbi-Mwungo water system was completed on June 1st, 2017. It serves 1,900 people with clean water. Construction of the system provided work for 50 local residents.
Completion of the Kirimbi-Mwungo system brings us 1,900 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.