PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Ryamurago-Rukina Water System #37 began on March 1, 2017 and was completed June 1, 2017. The project is located in the Mutsinda 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 2,300 people when complete.
There is no Lowe’s or Home Depot in Burundi, making the transportation of construction materials to the site challenging. In addition, trucks can only take materials so far, which is why manpower and wheelbarrows become important for getting rocks, PVC, and bags of concrete to the construction site.
Project Overview
Construction dates: March 1, 2017 - June 1, 2017
Located in Mutsinda Colline of Songa Commune
Scope: 6.9km pipeline
3 storage tanks
9 tap stands
Employees: 75 including masons and plumbers
Serves 2,300 residents
Project Schematics
Schematics of the Ryamurago-Rukina system show pipeline connecting nine tap stands to three 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.
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.
A tank under construction.
Project Updates
Interim Project Update: 1
Site preparation
Source construction begins
Trenching starts
Storage tank construction begins
Collection chamber masonry begins
Interim Project Update: 2
Progress on the Ryamurago-Rukina water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well:
Initial pipeline in place
Storage tanks complete and sealed
Pipeline installed between collection chambers and storage tanks
Tap stands nearing completion
System testing underway
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Ryamurago-Rukina water system was completed on June 1, 2017. It serves approximately 2,300 people. Construction of the system provided work for 75 local residents.
Completion of the Ryamurago-Rukina water system brings us 2,300 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.
Clean water at Rukina Secondary School gives kids a chance to attend school and build a better future. Thanks to you, these students and 2,300 more people in this community 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.