PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Ngabwe-Kiyange Water System #26 began on September 15, 2015 and was completed December 1, 2015. The project is located in the Kiryama Colline of the Songa Commune within Bururi Province, Burundi where clean water resources are limited. Locals walk significant distances to obtain water from small springs and water pools which 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.
Thanks to our generous supporters, this project will serve 3,850 people from the general population when complete.
Workers breaking down stone by hand. Stones are used for tank and collection chamber construction.
Project Overview
Construction dates: September 15, 2015 - December 1, 2015
Located in Kiryama Colline of Songa Commune
Scope: 12.75km pipeline
5 storage tanks
14 tap stands
Employees: 120 including masons and plumbers
Serves 3,850 residents
Project Schematics
One of the three new collection chambers.
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.
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, 120 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.
Project Updates
Interim Project Update: 1
Site preparation
Storage construction begins
Collection chamber masonry nearing completion
Local residents fetching water.
Did you know?: Residents can often begin receiving clean water before a water system is entirely completed.
Interim Project Update: 2
Progress on the Ngabwe-Kiyange water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well:
Collection chambers complete
Initial pipeline in place
Pipeline installed between collection chambers and storage tanks, continuing to tap stands
Storage tanks complete and sealed
Landscape restored, pipe and water system protected from damage
The project is a success! Clean water is flowing from all 14 newly built tap stands and is readily accessible to nearly 4,000 people.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Ngabwe-Kiyange water system was completed on December 1, 2015. It serves over 3,850 people. Construction of the system provided work for 120 local residents.
It brings us more than 3,850 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.
One of the 5 storage tanks as it nears completion.
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.