PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Mugatanganika-Kigabiro Water System #34 began on November 8, 2016 and was completed February 17, 2017. The project is two separate systems that are geographically close, construction of the two systems occured simultaneously to maximize productivity, and minimize transportation costs of supplies to the job site. The project is located in the Kigabiro Colline of the Songa Commune within Bururi Province, Burundi where clean water resources are limited. Local residents 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 3,450 people when complete.
A tap stand under construction. This is one of 12 access points built over the course of this project, where the community can fill up on clean water.
Project Overview
Construction dates: November 8, 2016 - February 17, 2017
Located in Kigabiro Colline of Songa Commune
2 independent systems
Scope: 5.6km pipeline
2 collection chambers
4 storage tanks
10 tap stands
Employees: 80 including masons and plumbers
Serves 3,450 residents
Project Schematics
Workers hired from the community digging trenches where pipes that will carry clean water through the system are eventually laid down.
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.
Clean Water means Safer Communities & Education
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.
Without access to clean water, people must spend valuable time collecting water for daily use, and they are sick more often, due to preventable water-borne diseases. Both of these have a disproportionate impact on children, whose school attendance suffers because they are needed at home or are simply ill. With clean, accessible water, these barriers to education disappear.
The availability of clean water and the resulting improvements in health and education begin to reverse the cycle of poverty. According to the World Bank, returns on education investment are the largest in Africa over any other continent, and each additional year of schooling raises earnings by 11% for boys and 14% for girls.
Project Updates
Interim Project Update: 1
Site preparation
Trenching starts
Tank foundation begins
Collection chamber masonry begins
Tap stand construction begins
Workers standing beside a completed tank.
Interim Project Update: 2
Progress on the Mugatanganika-Kigabiro water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well:
Tank construction complete
Tap stands under construction
Pipeline installed between collection chambers and storage tanks
All pipes and trenches covered
Landscape restored, pipe and water system protected from damage
This water system is complete and clean water is readily available at all 10 tap stands.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Mugatanganika-Kigabiro Water water system was completed on Feburary 17, 2017. It serves approximately 3,450 people. Construction of the system provided work for 80 local residents.
It brings us 3,450 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, 3,450 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.