PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Mashuha-Mahonda Water System #33 began on August 1, 2016 and was completed October 27, 2016. The project is located in the Yengero Colline of the Songa Commune within Bururi Province, Burundi where clean water resources are limited. Locals walk significant distances to obtain water from small springs and water pools which are 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 2,200 people when complete.
There is no Lowe’s or Home Depot in Burundi, making the transportation of construction materials to the site challenging. In addition, trucks can only take materials so far, which is why manpower and wheelbarrows become important for getting rocks, PVC, and bags of concrete to the construction site.
Project Overview
Construction dates: August 1, 2016 - October 27, 2016
Located in Yengero Colline of the Songa Commune
Scope: 1.5km pipeline
1 storage tanks
4 tap stands
Employees: 45 including masons and plumbers
Serves 2,200 residents
Project Schematics
Workers hired from the community are digging trenches where pipes will be soon be installed. Piping transports water from the collection chamber to tap stands distributed though out the community.
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.
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.
Project Updates
Interim Project Update: 1
Site preparation underway
Trenching starts
Storage tank construction begins
Tap stand construction begins
Project employees can be seen working on the soil in the surrounding area. In addition to our low-tech water systems, landscape restoration is an important sustainability component of our projects that seeks to ensure minimal environmental impact.
Interim Project Update: 2
Progress on the Mashuha-Mahonda water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well:
Collection chambers complete
Storage tanks nearing completion
Pipeline installed
Tap stands complete
Landscape restored, pipe and water system protected from damage
This water system is complete and clean water is readily available at 4 tap stands.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Mashuha-Mahoda water system was completed on October 27, 2016. It serves approximately 2,200 people. Construction of the system provided work for 45 local residents.
It brings us 2,200 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 our systems. Read more about the handover.
Thanks to you, 2,200 more people in Burundi now have access to clean water.
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.