Project Kickoff
Construction on the NyarumangaII-Gasenyi water system began on May 14th. The NyarumangaII-Gasenyi water system is the third water system to be built in 2021, and our 59th project overall. See the full list of projects here.
At the outset, this community, located in Gasenyi Colline, Bururi Province, had a primary water source several miles away from the community, and the water there 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 1,600 people when complete.
Project Overview
Construction dates: May 14, 2021 - July 15, 2021
Located in the Gasenyi Colline, Bururi Province
Cost: $28,938
Scope: 2.9km pipeline
1 storage tank
5 tap stands
Employees: 45 people, including masons and plumbers
Serve: 1,600 residents
Project Schematics
Where or What is a Colline?
In the United States we have states, cities, and counties, etc… learn more about the subdivisions in Burundi.
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.
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.
FIELD UPDATE: INTERIM PROGRESS
Progress on the Nayrumangall-Gazenyi water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well and the estimated completion date is August 2021. Milestones completed as of July 2, 2021 include:
Sources catchment is complete, and protection is complete
The collection chamber is complete
Tank is complete
3 tap stands are complete
Digging trenches is completed
Connection of pipes is around 2.4 km
Water System Highlight: Wash Station
For this system, we also built washing stations for clothes. These quickly became popular. As washing clothes was previously a tedious and back-breaking endeavor. Instead of bending over buckets, or into river beds, residents can now wash their clothes with ease in clean, fresh water, saving time, improving both health and hygiene.
Wash station built near the collection chamber provide a practical solution that improves daily lives in Burundi.
System Completion
The NyarumangaII-Gasenyi system was completed July 14, 2021, nearly a month ahead of schedule, and on budget. It serves 1,600 people and provided work for 45 local residents.
It brings us, 1,600 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. See the video of the celebration below. 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 project was funded by our wonderful supporters. 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.