PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Gihanama Water System #75 kicked off on June 25, 2025. The system was made possible by our incredible supporters.
This water system marks a new beginning for this rural community by delivering permanent and close access to clean water. Currently, there is no clean water located near the community. By abject necessity, the majority of the population relies on a primary water source that is 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 the generous supporters his project will serve 1,750 people when it is complete.
Children without clean water systems nearby walk long distances for miles on end to fetch water multiple times a day. However, now that construction has started, residents are 1 day closer to accessing as much clean water as they need from tap stands that will be conveniently dispersed throughout the community.
WATER ACCESS PRIOR TO CLEAN WATER SYSTEM PARTNERSHIPS
Building sustainable water systems breaks the cycle of poor health and poverty. The fact is, preventable, waterborne diseases are still a leading cause of death in Burundi. 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.
Clean water means clear futures for residents of every age. Young people can pursue education while their families can devote more time to farming and other economic activities to strengthen their community’s long-term resilience. Access to clean and safe water for their daily use ensures environmental, economic, and social health, an important legacy of sustainability built into each water system.
Water systems are built to last, which is why it is so important that we purchase supplies locally and hire local tradespeople who gain knowledge about how to maintain the system properly. Building local know-how means clean water will continue to flow in perpetuity.
Project Overview
Construction dates: June 25, 2025 - October 15, 2025
Located in Bururi Province of Matana Commune
Scope: 4.1 km pipeline
4 storage tanks
12 tap stands
Employees: 75 workers including masons and plumbers
Serves 1,750 residents
Project Schematic
The system is located in Bihanga Colline. Learn more about the provinces and collines of Burundi.
Gazelle Foundation is Uniquely Qualified for this project
We continue to maintain a 100% success rate, meaning all of the water systems we have built since our start are still pumping clean water years later. Hiring local workers for the project construction also develops local knowledge for upkeep and maintenance, as the ownership of each water system is turned over to the community upon completion. Meet our project manager who keeps multiple water system construction projects in motion all year round.
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. Check back for water system updates which we receive along with new photos while the system is under construction.
Right: collection chamber detail. The drawing includes specifications for construction details and materials. The Gazelle Foundation designs systems to distribute water throughout the community, which reduces the distance anyone must travel to access clean water.
Safer Thriving Communities
Without clean water, education cannot thrive, gender inequality grows, economic activity becomes stagnant, and development is stifled.
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.
Follow our progress on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date details. Check back for water system updates which we receive along with new photographs while the system is under construction.
Once the collection chamber is built, clean water flows and is available to the community. It’s accessible via pipeline. The trenches (visible) are where pipeline will eventually be placed connecting to tap stands that can be turned on and off.
Construction UPDATES
INTERIM PROJECT UPDATE: 1
Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our onsite project manager, reports progress on Gihanama water system is moving along on time and on budget. Pictures of project progress have been received by the Gazelle Foundation, including receipts for all materials and full accounting of all expenses verified by the Gazelle Foundation, including GPS coordinates of the source. As of August 5, 2025, six weeks into construction milestones completed include:
Initial materials purchased and transported to the project site
Site preparation is complete
Workers scheduled
Sources catchment are complete
The collection chamber is complete
Tap stand 1 (of 12) is complete. The tap stand at the source.
Digging trenches is around 1.5km
The connection of pipes is around 0.98km
JOIN OUR MISSION
This project was funded by our community of donors. We thank the generous donors for changing the lives of the people in this community through access to clean water.
Our next water system depends on you! Help us give the gift of clean water to those that need it most.
The Gazelle Foundation is thrilled to work with incredible team and sponsors. With joy we are transforming lives across the globe, bringing hope, joy, and peace. Learn more about Burundi where we work.