Project Kickoff
While 2020 did all it could to derail us, we are thankful for our incredible supporters who ensured we kept our water promise to Burundi. We are pleased to announce that construction on the Bibande-Bihanga water system began. This community, located in Bihanga Colline currently has a water source several miles away from where the residents live and that water is 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 650 people when complete.
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
Bibande-Bihanga Water System - $22,424
Construction dates January 18- March 17, 2021
Located in Bahanga Colline, Bururi Province
1.600 km of pipeline
1 water storage tank
5 tap stands
employ 40 people
serve 650 residents
Project Schematics
At the start of construction, our engineer was able to add an additional tap stand. Delivering clean, safe water to even more places in the community. The additional tap stand is drawn in blue.
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.
Field Update: Interim Progress
Progress on the Bibande-Bihanga water system is well underway, with a projected completion date of March 2021. Milestones completed to date include:
Source protections are complete
3 of 4 tap stands are complete
The collection tank is complete
Hang digging of all trenches, 1.5km in length, are completed
The picture of workers digging shows the steep terrain. Most people in Burundi live in rural, mountainous areas that are difficult to access. Our systems reduce the average distance to clean water by nearly 4 miles (round trip, per day)
Did You Know?
It is easy to forget the life-altering power of clean water. Especially when for many of us in Texas and the United States. it is available at home, work, or school, even during a pandemic or historic snowstorm. But for the people of Burundi, access to clean water is everything. Altruism and self-sacrifice seem to be typical human responses to crisis situations or tragic events (at least for some people). “This ability to empathize means that we are part of a shared network of consciousness.” According to one author in Psychology Today.
Amazi Ni Ubuzima: it’s a common phrase spoken in Burundi, and it means Water Is Life.
On The Ground With Jean Bosco
While we couldn’t do the work we do without our supporters here at home, we also rely on our dedicated partners on the ground in Burundi. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our long-time project manager, is a critical part of the team bringing clean water to those that need it most. He has a front-row seat to the beneficial impact on local economies, health, and education - all due to clean water.
System Completion
Bibande-Bihanga Water System Complete
The Bibande-Bihanga system was completed this week, on time and on budget. It serves 650 people in the area. The additional tap stand added during construction makes daily access even easier for residents.
It brings us, 650 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.
Join Our Mission
This water system was funded by the 2020 Come Together For The Water event. 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 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.