PROJECT KICKOFF
Construction on the Nyazuba water system kicked off on July 19, 2023.
At the outset this community, located in Matana Colline, Bururi Province, has a primary water source several miles away from the community, 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 serves 1,800 people.
Project Overview
Construction dates: July 19, 2023 - October 12, 2023
Located in Matana Colline
Scope: 7,650km pipeline
4 storage tanks
9 tap stands (includes spigot at collection chamber)
Employees: 70 including masons and plumbers
Serves 1,800 residents
Project Schematic
Engineers were able to put spigots at the source collection chamber allowing residents more access points to collect clean water.
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.
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, 70 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. Learn more about our on-the-ground project manager.
Project UPDATEs
INTERIM PROGRESS Update: 1
Progress on the Nyazuba water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well, milestones completed as of August 15, 2023, include:
2 source catchments are complete
Collection chamber is complete
Tank 1 is complete
Tap stand 1 (of 9) is complete
Digging trenches is around 3 km
The connection of pipes is around 2.5km
INTERIM PROGRESS UPdate: 2
Progress on the Nyazuba water system continues. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well, milestones completed as of September 6, 2023, include:
Sources protection is completed;
Tanks 1 & 2 are complete
4 tap stands (of 9) are complete
Digging trenches is around 5.5km
Connection of pipes is around 4.3km
INTERIM PROGRESS UPdate: 3
The Nyazuba water system is nearing completion. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well, milestones completed as of September 27, 2023, include:
Sources protection is completed;
Tanks 3 (of 4) are complete
All 9 tap stands are complete
Digging trenches is around 7.5km
Connection of pipes is around 6km
System Completion
The Nyazuba water system was completed on October 12, 2023. Three weeks ahead of schedule. It serves 1,800 people. Construction of the system provided work for 55 local residents.
It brings us, 1,800 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. Read more about the handover.
“I would like to let you know that we just completed the Nyazuba water project. We made the hand off today with the commune officials and everything was good, the people were very excited to get clean water, they were even dancing. The pictures and videos are attached.”
We couldn’t do the work we do without our wonderful supporters here in Austin and the United States. But we give equal credit to our incredibly dedicated partners on the ground in Burundi, and foremost among those partners is the Gazelle Foundation’s project manager, Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe.
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.