PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Mugahisha-Matasi-Ruhororo Water System #35 began on November 8, 2016 and was completed February 17, 2017. The project is located in the Muzamba Colline, 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 1,400 people when complete.
The first phase of construction is transporting supplies to the work site. Transporting rocks 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. Meaning rocks, PVC, and bags of concrete are often times transported by hand, or wheelbarrow, to the construction location.
Project Overview
Construction dates: November 8, 2016 - February 17, 2017
Located in Muzamba Colline of Songa Commune
Scope: 5.8km pipeline
3 storage tanks
8 tap stands
Employees: 65 including masons and plumbers
Serves 1,400 residents
Project Schematics
Workers digging trenches in preparation for the pipeline and doing source excavation.
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.
Safer Communities
Water collection is a job traditionally done by women and children. Our clean water systems reduce the average distance traveled to access water from 4 miles to one-quarter mile. These shorter distances eliminated the dangers of traversing mountainous terrain, or near dangerous, untreated water sources. It also allows children to spend more time in school, and provides women with time to develop trades or care for home and family.
Project Updates
Interim Project Update: 1
Trenches for pipes begin
Collection chamber masonry begins
Storage tank construction begins
Workers adding final details to a tap stand.
Interim Project Update: 2
Progress on the Mugahisha-Matasi-Ruhororo water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well:
Pipeline installed between collection chambers and storage tanks
Storage tanks complete and sealed
All pipes and trenches covered
Pipes connected at tap stands and tested
Landscape restored, pipe and water system protected from damage
Local residents fetching water along the pipeline.
Did you know?: Residents can often begin accessing clean water before a water system is entirely completed.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Mugahisha-Matasi-Ruhororo water system was completed on February 17, 2017. It serves approximately 1,400 people. Construction of the system provided work for 65 local residents.
It brings us 1,400 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.
One of the completed and functioning tap stands built during this project.
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.