Project Kickoff
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Musinzira-Matana water system has begun. The system was made possible by the generosity of supporters like you.
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 nearby, which means community members walk several miles away to fetch water that is contaminated.
This project will serve 3,500 people when it is complete. And will provide water to the 1,200- 1,500 people who rely the market center approximately 3x per week. Water at the market center helps address transmission and proliferation of pathogens, bacteria, parasites, and viruses. It will have a significant health impact for the entire community.
WATER ACCESS PRIOR TO CLEAN WATER SYSTEM PARTNERSHIPS
Building sustainable water systems breaks the cycle of poor health, poverty, and conflict. The fact is, that preventable, waterborne diseases are still a leading cause of death in Burundi in this day and age. Communities with Gazelle Foundation water systems, on the other hand, 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 the residents whose 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.
Project Overview
Construction dates: March 20, 2025 - August 20, 2025
Located in Bururi, Province, Songa and Matana Communes.
Scope: 13.6 km pipeline (8.45 miles)
5 storage tanks
11 tap stands
Employees: 85 workers including masons and plumbers
Serves 3,500 residents including 1 church, and a market center
Project Schematic
Beneficiaries of this system include 300 worshipers at Penetecost Church 2x per week, and 1,200- 1,500 people who use the market center approximately 3x per week. Water at the market center helps address transmission and proliferation of pathogens, bacteria, parasites, and viruses. It will have a significant health impact for the entire community.
Gazelle Foundation is Uniquely Qualified for this project
We continue to maintain a 100% success rate of our water systems. Hiring local workers for the project construction develops local knowledge for upkeep and maintenance, as the ownership of all water systems are turned over to the community upon completion. Meet our project manager Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe who keeps multiple construction projects going all year.
Top Left: Collection chamber details. The drawing includes specifications for construction details and materials. Top Right: child fetching water. Bottom Left: workers excavating the source in preparation for building the collection chamber. Bottom Right: The collection chamber of Murenge-Shanga System #73. Once the collection chamber is built, clean water is available to the community — even before tap stands are built. The collect chamber is heart or center of the water system — where ground water is collected then filtered before it is distributed. The collection chamber ensures all tanks and tap stands have a supply of clean water. Gazelle Foundation collection chambers have orange square lids, and a plaque that permanently displays the name of the system and date construction begins. The date marks a new beginning for the community.
HOW IT WORKS
Water is captured from a reliable source before it can become contaminated. It is filtered in the collection chamber and flows onward. Entrenched PVC pipe carries water to holding tanks and to multiple tap stands. Tap stands are strategically positioned within easy walking distance to schools, churches, community centers, health clinics and other central locations to maximize access points for all residents. Water is available for free to all people regardless of the person’s tribe or religion.
We receive monthly updates during each Water System’s construction. Check back to see current pictures and updates and follow our progress on Facebook and Instagram.
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, 85 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
Project updates will be posted here and on social media. This project will take 24 weeks to complete.
While we couldn’t do the work we do without our supporters here at home, we also rely on our dedicated partners on the ground in Burundi. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our long-time project manager, he a critical part of the team bringing clean water to those that need it most. He has a front-row seat to the beneficial impact on local economies, health, and education - all due to clean water. Meet Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe.
JOIN OUR MISSION
This project was funded by donors like you. Learn more about our charitable events in Austin, Texas and learn about other ways to get involved. We thank the generous donors for changing the lives of the people in this Burundian community by giving permanent and life-changing 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.
Students at the tap stand located at their school. The Gazelle Foundation works with incredible teams and sponsors who are dedicated to changing the world one water system at a time. With joy we are transforming lives across the globe in rural Burundi.