PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Ngabwe-Gikuyo Extension Water System #50 began on September 20, 2018, and was completed on January 7th, 2019.
This extension increased access to clean water for this community that includes a primary school, college and church. The system is located in the Songa commune, Rutundwe Colline, Bururi Province.
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 provide clean water to 2,100 people including students and teachers at the Nyakigongwe primary school and college, and Pentecoste Church.
Project Overview
Construction dates: September 20, 2018 - January 7th, 2019
Located in Songa Commune
Scope: 3.2 km new pipeline
3 new storage tanks built, 4 existing storage tanks refurbished
6 new tap stands built, 4 existing tap stands refurbished
Employees: 45 including masons and plumbers
Serves 2,100 residents
Project Schematics
Schematics of the Ngabwe-Gikuyo Extension Water System show the new storage tanks and tap stands in blue, and the existing system in black. The water flow is sufficient to support the addition of three new storage tanks and six new tap stands and are positioned for maximum impact in this thriving community.
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.
Source Excavation: Digging is done by hand
Clean Water Means Education
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
Materials gathered, workers scheduled
Digging of trenches for pipeline begins
Trenching continues, storage tank construction begins
Storage tanks complete and sealed, pipeline put in place
Pipes connected to tap stands and tested
Friends standing in front of a new storage tank
Students and residents enjoy clean water from one of the 6 completed tap stands.
Storage tank #1 completed.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Ngabwe-Gikuyo Extension water system was completed on January 7, 2019. Construction of the system provided work for 45 locals residents.
Thanks to you, this system brings us 2,100 people closer to achieving our goal of providing every person in Burundi with clean water, a necessity for a healthy and hopeful life.
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.
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.