PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Rugomero-Nyamuhanga Water System #30 began on April 1, 2016 and was completed July 1, 2016. The project is located in the Kigabiro 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 2,450 people from the general population in addition to 219 students and teachers at the Nyamuhanga Primary School when complete.
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.
Project Overview
Construction dates: April 1, 2016 - July 1, 2016
Located in Kigabiro Colline of Songa Commune
Scope: 2.55km pipeline
2 storage tanks
7 tap stands
Employees: 70 including masons and plumbers
Serves 2,450 residents including 219 students and teachers at Nyamuhanga primary schools
Project Schematics
Workers excavating at the source (left) and later protecting the source site (right).
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, 65 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
Source construction begins
Trenches for pipes begin
The tap stand in use at Nyamuhanga Primary School. It will make clean water easily accessible for 219 teachers and students who can now spend more time teaching and learning!
Interim Project Update: 2
Progress on the Rugomero-Nyamuhanga water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well:
Tank construction complete
Piping in place
Tap stands nearing completion
Landscape restored, pipe and water system protected from damage
This water system is complete! When access to clean water helps eliminate water-borne illnesses, children are sick less, which allows them to attend school on a more regular basis. With shortened walking distances, they spend less time gathering and carrying water to their homes. Access to clean water along the route to school and at the school house keeps children clean and hydrated throughout the day, increasing their ability to learn.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Rugomero-Nyamuhanga water system was completed on July 1, 2016. It serves over 2,450 people. Construction of the system provided work for 65 local residents.
It brings more than 2,450 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.
Thanks to you, over 2,450 more people in Burundi now have access to clean water.
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.