PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Nyarumanga-Musagara-Kibirizi water system began on February 18, 2020. This community, located in Kinyinya Colline, Gitanga Province, had a primary water source several miles away from the community and school and the water there is 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 2,020 people when complete.
Project Overview
The Nyarumanga-Musagara-Kibirizi Water System - $47,138
Construction Dates: February 18, - May 25, 2020
Scope: 6.050km, (3.76 miles)
9 tap stands
3 water tanks
Employ: Approximately 55 local people includes plumbers and masons
Serves: over 2,020 residents (948 students and teachers at Musagara primary school)
Project Schematics
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.
Field Update: Interim Progress 1
Since the coronavirus has officially been labeled a Global Pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), health and proper sanitation are on everyone’s mind. What if the only water you had access to during this scary time was bacteria-ridden and contaminated? We’re pleased to report progress on Nyarumanga-Musagara-Kibirizi water system is well underway, with a projected completion date of May 31. Milestones completed to date include:
Source catchment is complete
Collection chamber is complete
1 tap stand is complete
Tank 1 is on 98% completion
Digging trenches is around 2.8km
Connection of pipes is around 1.2km
Field Update: Interim Progress Report 2
Good news feels scarce now because of the pandemic. We’re happy to report our friends in Burundi have been largely unaffected by the novel coronavirus, which has allowed our work to continue on time. With five tap stands already complete, hundreds of people already have access to clean water. We hope these joyful faces bring you a smile today! Milestones completed on the Nyarumanga-Musagara-Kibirizi system to date include:
Source catchment is complete
5 tap stands are complete
Tank 1 is complete
Tank 2 is 98% complete
Digging trenches is around 5km
Connection of pipes is around 4km
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.
Education is critical for breaking the cycle of poverty and yet education is considered a luxury for most children in rural parts of Burundi. Instead, students miss class to go fetch water, or to care for sick parents or siblings.
Lack of clean water also has serious effects on students' academic performance and attendance rates. Stomach pains and diarrhea from waterborne illnesses can keep even the brightest and most determined kids from reaching their full potential.
But for these 948 students and teachers at Musagara primary school, clean water means a chance to break that cycle. It means a clear future. And most all, it means hope.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
Nyarumanga-Musagara-Kibirizi Water System Complete
The Nyarumanga-Musagara Kibirizi system was completed this week, on time and on budget. It serves 2,020 people in the Kinyinya Colline. Including 948 students and teachers at Musagara primary school.
It brings us, 2,020 people, closer to achieving our goal of providing every person in Burundi with clean water, the highest quality of life, and hope within reach.
The water system helps empower people like Ndayikeza Gorath to keep her family and community safe in the midst of a global health crisis. Click below to watch the 30-second video.
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
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 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.