PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Ndago-Murabi-Myange Extension water system #51 began on February 25, 2019, and was completed on June 19, 2019. The project renovates and expands existing water infrastructure that had failed due to inadequate water supply. The Gazelle Foundation re-engineered the system, so it has sufficient water flow and built a large tank that will supply this community with clean water for generations to come.
This community, located in the Songa Colline of Bururi Province currently has a primary water source extremely far from the village center.
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 2,200 people when complete.
Project Overview
Construction dates: February 25, 2019 - June 19, 2019
Located in Songa Commune
Scope: 5.85 km pipeline
1 new storage tank
10 tap stands repaired
Employees: 50 including masons and plumbers
Serves 2,200 residents
Project Schematics
Schematics of the Ndago-Murambi-Muyange System show the existing pipeline in black. The renovation of this system included adding a pipeline (pictured in blue), and attaching the pipeline to a large storage tank (pictured in red). The scope of work includes testing and repair of all existing apparatus.
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.
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.
GAZELLE FOUNDATION IS UNIQUELY QUALIFIED FOR THIS PROJECT
We continue to maintain a 100% success rate. Refurbishing and expanding the system will provide clean water to this community for years to come.
Key technical solutions for this system include; constructing the new water tank that will provide consistent water pressure to meet fluctuating needs and installing new distribution pipelines. Hiring local workers for the project construction also develops local knowledge for upkeep and maintenance, as the ownership of all water systems are turned over to the community upon completion.
On The Ground With Jean Bosco
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, is 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.
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 Progress Update: 1
Initial materials purchased and transported, site prepared.
Trenching for pipes continues, storage tanks construction begins
Storage tanks near completion, initial pipeline installed
Storage tanks sealed, pipeline to tap stands complete
Site landscape is restored, fencing put in place to protect pipe from damage
Source catchment protection are complete, and another worker is at the collection chamber (orange lid).
Workers are pictured covering the pipeline to protect the pipeline from damage and natural erosion.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Ndago-Murambi-Muyange extension was completed on December 1st, 2019. It serves 2,200 people! Construction of the system provided work for 45 local residents.
Completion of this system brings us 2,200 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.
Locals enjoying the clean water of the Ndago-Murambi-Muyange system. Clean water is available from the pipeline during construction — even before tap stands are built.
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.