PROJECT KICKOFF

We are pleased to announce that construction on the Murwindara-Mugano Water System #72 began on September 1, 2024. The system was made possible by our incredible sustaining donor community AMAZI For Burundi (Water for Burundi). Amazi means “water” in Kurundi, one of the main languages spoken in Burundi. The water system will be named in honor of the donors.

This water system marks a new beginning for this rural community by delivering permanent and close access to clean water. Currently, there is no clean water located near the community. By abject necessity, the majority of the population relies on a primary water source that is 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.

Thanks to the 2024 AMAZI For Burundi community this project will serve 1,300 people when it is complete. What better way to give thanks and love our neighbors a half a world away?

Villagers including children without clean water systems nearby walk long distances for miles on end to fetch water multiple times a day. However, once construction begins, residents can access clean water from the distribution pipeline even before tap stands are built.

WATER ACCESS PRIOR TO CLEAN WATER SYSTEM PARTNERSHIPS

Building sustainable water systems breaks the cycle of poor health and poverty. The fact is, 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 residents of every age. 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 built into each water system.

Water systems are built to last, which is why it is so important that we purchase supplies locally and hire local tradespeople who gain knowledge about how to maintain the system properly. Building local know-how means clean water will continue to flow in perpetuity.

Project Overview

Construction dates: September 1, 2024 - Winter 2024
Located in Kinyinya and Mugano Colline, of Matana Commune
Scope: 4.7 km pipeline
3 storage tanks
10 tap stands
Employees: 45 workers including masons and plumbers
Serves 1,300 residents

Project Schematic

The project is located in Kinyinya and Mugano Colline, of Matana Commune. Learn more about the provinces and collines of Burundi.

Gazelle Foundation is Uniquely Qualified for this project

We continue to maintain a 100% success rate, meaning all of the water systems we have built since our start are still pumping clean water years later. Hiring local workers for the project construction also develops local knowledge for upkeep and maintenance, as the ownership of each water system is turned over to the community upon completion. Meet our project manager who keeps multiple water system construction projects in motion all year round.

Left: Tap stand detail. The drawing includes specifications for construction details and materials. Right: Water tap stand during construction of a different water system. We design systems to distribute water throughout the community, which reduces the distance anyone must travel to fetch clean water.

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. Check back for water system updates which we receive along with new photos each month the system is under construction.

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.

Construction UPDATES

INTERIM PROJECT UPDATE: 1

Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress on Murwindara Mugano water system is moving along well. Milestones completed as of October 21, 2024, include:

Source catchment is complete (orange square lid)
Tank 1 is complete
Collection chamber is complete
Digging trenches is around 2.5 km
Connection of pipes is around 2km

INTERIM PROJECT UPDATE: 2

Our project manager, Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, reports milestones completed as of November 18, 2024, include:

Source protection is complete
2 (of 3) tanks are complete
5 (of 10) tap stands are complete
Digging trenches is around 4 km
Connection of pipes is around 3km

JOIN OUR MISSION

This project was funded by our community of sustaining donors. We thank the generous donors for changing the lives of the people in this community through access to clean water.

Our next water system depends on you! Help us give the gift of clean water to those that need it most.

BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR