2022 AMAZI-FUNDED SYSTEM
The Kabigomogomo system was selected as the 2022 AMAZI-funded system. We thank our incredible community of givers for making this dream a reality.
Watch Gilbert Tuhabonye describe visiting the water system during his January 2023 visit to Burundi.
PROJECT KICKOFF
Construction on the Kabigomogomo water system began on November 1, 2022.
At the outset, this community, located in Matana Colline, Bururi Province, had a primary water source several miles away from the community, and the water there was 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.
Project Overview
Construction dates: November 1, 2022 - January 17, 2023
Located in Matana Colline
Scope: 5.100km pipeline
1 storage tank
3 tap stands
Employees: 45 including masons and plumbers
Serves 850 residents
Project Schematics
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.
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Clean water means better health and Brighter futures
Clean water is not easily accessible in the mountainous terrain and rural sections of Burundi, where most of the population lives. Consequently, 100% of Burundians in these areas are affected by water-borne illnesses which lead to typhoid, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis, bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, and death.
However, in areas where we have installed clean water systems, local health centers report a dramatic decrease in diseases and a significant improvement in overall health.
The availability of clean water and the resulting improvements in health and education begin to reverse the cycle of poverty. According to the World Bank, returns on education investment are the largest in Africa over any other continent, and each additional year of schooling raises earnings by 11% for boys and 14% for girls.
FIELD UPDATE 1: INTERIM PROGRESS
Progress on the Kabigomogomo water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well, milestones completed as of November 22, 2022, include:
Source catchment is complete
Collection chamber is complete
Digging trenches is around 3.5 km
Connection of pipes is around 2.4 km
FIELD UPDATE 2: INTERIM PROGRESS
Progress on the Kabigomogomo water system continues, the system is 70% complete, on time, and on budget. Milestones completed as of December 28, 2022, include:
Protection of the source is complete
Water collection station at the source is complete
The collection chamber is completed
Water tank is 30% complete
Digging trenches is complete
The connection of pipes is around 4.5 km
Did you know: Hiring local workers for the projects develops local knowledge for upkeep and maintenance, as the ownership of all water systems is turned over to the community upon completion.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Kabigomogomo water system was completed on January 17, 2023. Three weeks ahead of schedule. It serves 850 and everyone who relies on the Nyazuba health center people and provided work for 45 local residents.
It brings us, 850 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 the systems.
JOIN OUR MISSION
This project was funded by Amazi For Burundi, our wonderful monthly supporters like you. We thank these generous individuals for changing the lives of the people in this community through access to clean water.
Our next Amazi funded 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.
Transporting materials for the tank. Our systems employ a low-tech, sustainable approach to water system constructions that is simple but effective, both in the short term and the long run.
