PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Rukoki-Rubanga water system #25 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 3,450 people from the general population in addition to an Anglican church and a health center near Rubanga when complete.
A worker connecting pipes for water distribution.
Project Overview
Construction dates: September 15, 2015 - December 1, 2015
Located in Kiryama Colline of Songa Commune
Scope: 6.4km pipeline
5 storage tanks
14 tap stands
Employees: 100 including masons and plumbers
Serves 3,450+ residents
Project Schematics
A truck transporting stone used in the construction of water storage tanks.
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.
SAFER COMMUNITIES
Water collection is a job traditionally done by women and children. Our clean water systems reduce the average distance traveled to access water from 4 miles to one-quarter mile. These shorter distances eliminated the dangers of traversing mountainous terrain, or near dangerous, untreated water sources. It also allows children to spend more time in school, and provides women with time to develop trades or care for home and family.
CONSTRUCTION Updates
Interim Project Update: 1
Trenching for pipes begins
Storage tank under way
Collection chamber masonry nearing completion
Workers securing the stones on a collection chamber (left) and transporting pipes and other construction materials (right).
Interim Project Update: 2
Progress on the Rukoki-Rubanga 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
Tap stands nearing completion
Landscape restored
Local residents celebrating the project’s completion and happy children ready to receive clean water.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Rukoki-Rubanga water system was completed on December 1, 2015. It serves over 3,450 people. Construction of the system provided work for 100 local residents.
It brings us more than 3,450 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.
Another successful project, another community with 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.