PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Ryatoyi-Giharo-Sama water system #24 began on May 15, 2015 and was completed August 15, 2015. The Songa Commune of the Bururi Province in Burundi has very limited clean 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 serves 1,000 people.
Workers transporting concrete to the work site.
Project Overview
Construction dates: May 15, 2015 - August 15, 2015
Located in Taba Colline of Songa Commune
Scope: 4.0km pipeline
2 storage tanks
8 tap stands
Employees: 50 including masons and plumbers
Serves 1,000 residents
Project Schematics
Workers digging trenches after which pipes for water distribution are laid down.
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, 50 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
Trenching for pipes begins
Storage tank construction begins
Collection chamber masonry begins
Workers building one of the storage tanks (left) and connecting pipes for water distribution (right).
Interim Project Update: 2
Progress on the Ryatoyi-Giharo-Sama water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well:
Collection chambers complete
Pipeline installed between collection chambers and storage tanks
Tap stands nearing completion
Residents of the Songa Commune happy to receive clean water.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Ryatoyi-Giharo-Sama water system was completed on August 15, 2015. It serves 1,000 people. Construction of the system provided work for 50 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.
One of the eight new tap stands ready to bring clean water to another community in Burundi.
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.