Gishingo-Ngandu - Water System #14

Project Kickoff

We are pleased to announce that construction on the Gishingo-Ngandu water system began June 2, 2014.

The Songa Commune of the Bururi Provence in Burundi has very limited clean water resources.  Currently the local inhabitants walk significant distances to obtain water from small springs and water pools that are not clean. The Project, located in the Muheka and Musenyi Collines of the Songa Commune will consist of two 0.8 liter-per-second sources at Gishingo, each creating a smaller sub-system.   A collection chamber will be constructed at each source.   

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 1,300 residents when complete.


Project Overview

Gishingo-Ngandu Water System

  • Construction dates June 14- October 2014

  • 2.90 km of pipeline

  • 3 water collection tanks

  • 7 tap stands

  • employ 65 people

  • serve 1,300 residents


Field Update:  Interim Progress

Milestones completed to date include:

  • Source catchment is complete

  • The collection chamber is complete

  • 3 tap stands are complete

  • Tank 1 complete

  • Tank 2 is 90% complete

  • Digging trenches is complete

  • Connection of pipes is around 2km

  • Source catchment protection is completed


System Completion

The Gishingo-Ngandu system was completed this week, on time and on budget. It brings us, 1,300 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

Our work relies on the generosity of our supporters. Access to clean water means access to better health, stronger community, jobs, education, and most of all: hope. Help us give the gift of clean water to those that need it most.