PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Rwego-Gaharo water system #23 began on May 15, 2015 and was completed August 15, 2015. The community, located in Bururi Province, currently has very limited water resources. Local inhabitants 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 1,000 people when complete.
Project Overview
Construction dates: May 15, 2015 - August 15, 2015
Located in Taba Colline of Songa Commune
Scope: 2.0km pipeline
1 storage tank
6 tap stands
Employees: 75 including masons and plumbers
Serves 1,000 residents
Project Schematics
Workers excavating at the source site.
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
Tank foundation begins
Tap stand construction begins
The storage tank under construction (left) and completed (right).
Interim Project Update: 2
Progress on the Rwego-Gaharo 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
Site cleanup and landscape restoration in progress
Residents fill up on clean water from the newly built tap stands.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Rwego-Gaharo water system was completed on August 15, 2015. It serves 1,000 people. Construction of the system provided work for 75 local residents.
It brings us 1,000 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.
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.