PROJECT KICKOFF
Construction on the Kiroro II-Nyagishiha water system began on August 25, 2022.
At the outset, this community, located in Matana Colline, Bururi Province, has a primary water source 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: August 25, 2022 - November 9, 2022
Located in Matana Colline
Scope: 4.000km pipeline
3 storage tanks
8 tap stands
Employees: 45 including masons and plumbers
Serves 1,200 residents
Project Schematics
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.
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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.
FIELD UPDATE 1: INTERIM PROGRESS
Progress on the Kiroro II-Nyagishiha is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well and the estimated completion date is November 2022. Milestones completed as of September 17, 2022 include:
Source catchment is complete
Collection chamber is complete
Tank 1 is 60% of complete
Digging trenches is around 2 km
Connection of pipes is around 1.2 km
FIELD UPDATE 2: INTERIM PROGRESS
Progress on the Kiroro II-Nyagishiha is on time and on budget. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well and the estimated completion date is November 2022. Milestones completed as of October 6, 2022 include:
Tank 1 is complete
3 of 8 tap stands are complete and functional
Digging trenches is around 3 km
Connection of pipes is around 2.2 km
FIELD UPDATE 3: INTERIM PROGRESS
Kiroro II-Nyagishiha is nearing completion. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well and the estimated completion date is November 2022. Milestones completed as of October 25, 2022:
Tanks 1 &2 are complete
Tank 3 is 98% complete
Digging trenches is complete
Connection of pipe is around 3.5km
6 of 8 tap stands are complete and functional
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Kiroro II-Nyagishiha water system was completed on November 9, 2022. Two weeks ahead of schedule. It serves 1,200 people and provided work for 45 local residents.
It brings us, 1,200 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 the 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.
Photograph September 2022. During construction clean water is available to residents, even before tap stands are constructed.