2020: A Year Of Clean Water

2020: A Year of Clean Water

In honor of the new year and new decade, we want to share 20 facts about Burundi and the impact of clean water.

  1. Waterborne diseases are the leading cause of death in Burundi.

  2. Burundi has the 12th highest child mortality rate in the world.

  3. Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world.

  4. Most people in Burundi live in rural, mountainous areas that are difficult to access.

  5. Less than 5% of the population in Burundi has access to electricity.

  6. Due to certain regulations, it is very difficult for most charitable organizations to operate in Burundi.

  7. The Gazelle Foundation is able to operate in Burundi due to our unique structure and on-the-ground partnerships.

  8. Our clean water systems improve health, reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases by 65% in some instances.

  9. The availability of clean water taps creates shorter, safer walking distances, especially for women and children.

  10. Our systems reduce the average distance to clean water by nearly 4 miles (round trip, per day).

  11. The water systems stimulate the local economy through direct employment and the purchase of local materials.

  12. Clean water improves school attendance. 

  13. Every $1 invested in clean water systems yields $4 - $12 in economic returns.

  14. In 2019, we completed 6 water systems.

  15. These 6 systems will bring clean water to 13,350 people.

  16. Overall, we have provided clean water to 106,100 people.

  17. We have invested over $2 million in clean water projects in Burundi.

  18. We have created 4,400 jobs

  19. We have provided clean water to 43 churches and schools.

  20. We have built a community of the best supporters in the world (that's you!).

We’ve accomplished a lot, but there is still much to do. We want to make 2020 the year of clean water.

Musasa-Kirinzi Water System Update

Our first water system of 2020 is now complete! The Musasa-Kirinzi water system will provide clean water to 1,600 residents. Learn more about the project, including its GPS coordinates, schematics and its many beneficiaries.