Project Kickoff
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Musumba water system began on January 16, 2013. Our team worked to find the best sustainable solution. For this system, water is captured from three sources to supply a system that will provide daily water to 2,800 residents. This improvement will greatly improve the population’s health and well-being.
At the outset, this community located in Songa Colline, Bururi Province, had a primary water source several miles away from the village, or residents would access water from small springs and water pools that 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.
Project Overview
Construction dates: January 16, 2013 - April 8, 2013
Located in Songa Commune
Cost $54,521.
Scope: 5.40km pipeline
3 collection chambers
5 storage tanks
12 tap stands
Employees: 75 including masons and plumbers
Serves 2,800 residents
Project Schematics
The system is served by water from two sources in Musumba and one source from Mushanga. Learn about our team on the ground in Burundi.
Where or What is a Colline?
In the United States we have states, cities, and counties… learn more about geographic subdivisions in Burundi.
HOW IT WORKS
Water is captured from the sources 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.
FIELD UPDATE: INTERIM PROGRESS REPORT 1
Progress on the Musumba water system is well underway. Milestones 4 weeks into construction:
Initial materials and secondary materials were purchased and transported from Bujumbura
Workers scheduled
Receipts for all materials and a full accounting of all expenses were emailed to Gazelle Foundation
Site preparation of sources is underway (see squares on schematic above)
Digging trenches begin
Masonry for tank construction begins
Tap stand construction has begun
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, 75 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.
FIELD UPDATE 2: INTERIM PROGRESS
Progress on the Musumba water system continues. Milestones completed as of week 11 include:
Pipeline installed between collection chambers and storage tanks
Trenching complete
Pipeline installed to tap stands
Storage tanks sealed and complete
Tap stand construction continues
Project pictures emailed to Gazelle Foundation
Receipts for all materials and full accounting of all expenses emailed to Gazelle Foundation
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Musumbaa water system was completed in April 8, 2013. It serves 2,800 people and provided work for 75 local residents.
It brings us, 2,800 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.
JOIN OUR MISSION
This water system was funded by wonderful supporters like you. We thank these generous individuals for changing the everyday lives of the people in this community through access to clean water.
Our work relies on the generosity of our supporters. Access to clean water means access to better health, stronger community, jobs, education, and most of all: hope. Help us give the gift of clean water to those that need it most.