PROJECT KICKOFF
Thanks to our 2023 AMAZI for Burundi donors, construction on the Kiriza-Gisisye Extension water system began on December 20, 2023. Our sustaining donor community is named for its purpose; Amazi means water in Kirundi, the local language.
The project extends an existing water system built by the Gazelle Foundation in 2019. See the original project.
The population of the community grew by 40% from 2,100 people to 2,960. The original system and the decrease in waterborne disease transformed the area into a thriving community. Investing in the new sustainable water infrastructure is vital to providing the inhabitants with clean and safe water for their daily use and helping to ensure environmental, economic, and social health. And is a legacy of sustainability.
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.
This project will serve 860 people when it is complete.
Water Access Prior to Clean Water System Partnerships
Reliable, year-round access to clean water in Gisisye Colline which lies on the border of both the Matana and Songa Communes (similar to a Texas county) within the Bururi Province (similar to a U.S. state) in southwest Burundi was previously served by the Kibarazi River, a muddy stream most of the year and part of the Congo River watershed. This small river and other seasonal pools were shared with livestock and wildlife. Waterborne diseases such as schistosomiasis, bacterial or protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, dengue fever, and malaria were all too common.
Building sustainable water systems breaks the cycle of poor health and poverty. The fact is, that preventable, waterborne diseases are still a leading cause of death in Burundi. 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.
Clean water means clear futures for Gisisye Colline residents whose young people can pursue education while their families can devote more time to farming and other economic activities to strengthen their community’s long-term resilience. Access to clean and safe water for their daily use ensures environmental, economic, and social health, an important legacy of sustainability which is built into each project.
Project Overview
Construction dates: December 20, 2023 - Feb 7, 2024
Located in Gisisye Colline
Scope: 1.500km pipeline
1 storage tank
5 tap stands
Employees: 28 including masons and plumbers
Serves 860 residents
Project Schematic
The extension project is shown in green. Local Project manager Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe determined that there are sufficient water sources available and engineered a solution, which supports the expansion.
Did you Know?
A colline in Burundi means “hill” in French and is roughly equivalent to a large neighborhood. There are 2,638 collines in Burundi which is why some refer to it as the land of three thousand hills. To better pinpoint the locations of our water systems, we name our water projects by number, village name, and colline. A commune in Burundi refers to another local boundary, which is similar to a Texas county. Whereas there are 254 Texas counties, Burundi has 117 communes. Burundi is further divided into provinces, similar to states like Texas. and there are 18 provinces in Burundi. Read More.
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.
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.
For this project, 45 local workers have been hired to help with system construction, including masons and plumbers. We also purchase supplies and materials locally, giving the community’s economy a further boost. Learn more about our on-the-ground project manager.
Project Updates
INTERIM PROJECT UPDATE: 1
Progress on the Kiriza-Gisisye Extension is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well. Tap stands at the school are fully functional. Milestones completed as of January 16, 2024 include:
Tank is 30% complete
Digging trenches is complete
Connection of pipes is around 0.9km
Residents, like the children pictured above are able to collect clean water from the distribution pipeline during construction.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Kiriza-Gisisye Extension water system was completed on February 7, 2024. It serves 860 people. Construction of the system provided work for 28 local residents.
It brings us, 860 people closer to achieving our goal of providing every person in Burundi with clean water, the highest quality of life, and hope within reach.
As a 2023 AMAZI For Burundi member, you helped us accomplish something really special: a water system funded exclusively by our sustaining members.
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 our sustaining donor community. 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.