PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction has begun on the Kabizi–Butwe Renovation and Extension water system. It was made possible by the generosity of donors like you.
This project renovates and expands an existing water system originally built by another entity. Over time, the system began to fail due to an inadequate water supply. As part of this work, all existing infrastructure will be inspected, refurbished, and tested to ensure long-term functionality.
The scope of work includes the addition of a properly sized collection chamber to provide a reliable water source for the community, along with a storage tank to help maintain sufficient water pressure across the system.
This water system represents a new beginning for this rural community, delivering permanent, nearby access to clean water. Today, there is no clean water source close to home—forcing community members to walk several miles to collect contaminated water.
Once complete, this project will serve 4,500 people, including a college and church.
If you’d like to learn how to get involved, see here.here.
Community members walk for miles multiple times a day to fetch water for daily living. While water is available, the infrastructure to keep it clean and distribute it over Burundi's lush hills and valleys is rare. This is why the Gazelle Foundation builds low-tech, high-impact systems that can stand the test of time.
WATER ACCESS PRIOR TO CLEAN WATER SYSTEM PARTNERSHIPS
Building sustainable water systems breaks the cycle of poor health, poverty, and conflict. The fact is, that preventable, waterborne diseases are still a leading cause of death in Burundi in this day and age. Communities with Gazelle Foundation water systems, on the other hand, 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 the residents whose 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.
Read our three-part series about water’s effects on the students attending Rubanga Secondary School (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3). Adronis, a local student explains: “There have been numerous fights over who gets the dirty water versus who gets the clean water. The villagers don’t give priority to the students who are trying to get back to class. I understand, because everyone is just trying to get water.”
Access to clean and safe water for their daily use ensures environmental, economic, and social health, an important legacy of sustainability which is built into each project.
Project Overview
Construction dates: Kick off May 1, 2026
Located in Yengero and Gisarenda Colline, of Songa Commune
Scope: 15 km pipeline (9.3 miles)
10.5 km existing pipeline
4.5 km new pipeline
1 new collection chamber
10 existing tanks, 1 new 5m tank
19 existing tap stands, 3 new
Employees: 65 workers including masons and plumbers
Serves 4,500 residents, and includes a church and college
Project Schematic
Items shown in red indicate new construction; items in black represent existing infrastructure. All existing infrastructure will be inspected, refurbished, and tested to ensure proper function.
Central to the renovation and extension of this system is the addition of an adequate water source and collection chamber to support overall capacity. The new storage tank will play a key role in regulating and distributing water in the system.
The schematic includes the distribution pipeline, storage tanks, collection chamber, and tap stands.
Gazelle Foundation is Uniquely Qualified for this project
We continue to maintain a 100% success rate of our water systems. Hiring local workers for the project construction develops local knowledge for upkeep and maintenance, as the ownership of all water systems are turned over to the community upon completion. Meet our project manager Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe who keeps multiple construction projects going all year.
These images show the full picture—from (top) a schematic drawing of the collection chamber to completed infrastructure, and (bottom) finally residents accessing clean water. Simple, reliable systems built by local workers and sustained by the community.
HOW IT WORKS
This system renovates and expands an existing water system originally built by a different entity that was no longer serving the community effectively. The system will function reliably because it includes a new collection chamber designed to provide an adequate and sustainable water supply.
Water is captured from a protected source before it can become contaminated, filtered through the collection chamber, and then flows onward through the system. Entrenched PVC pipeline carries water to storage tanks and on to multiple tap stands. These tap stands are strategically placed within easy walking distance of schools, churches, community centers, health clinics, and other central locations—maximizing access for all residents.
Clean water is available free of charge to everyone, regardless of tribe or religion.
We receive monthly updates during each Water System’s construction. Check back to see current pictures and updates and follow our progress on Facebook and Instagram.
>>Want to see where these systems are in action? Explore all of our completed and active projects on our interactive GPS map here.
This image is from another water system, but it shows the process—once the source and collection chamber are complete, clean water flows, and the community can begin collecting from the pipeline before tap stands are finished. A meaningful first step forward.
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.
Construction UPDATES
Updates will be shared in real time on social media and posted here every six weeks
JOIN OUR MISSION
This project was funded by the generosity of donors like you. Learn more about our charitable events in Austin, Texas and learn about other ways to get involved. We thank the generous donors for changing the lives of the people in this Burundian community by giving permanent and life-changing 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.
This photo is from a different water system but illustrates the work ahead—a new pipeline will be installed to carry clean water throughout the system, connecting each component and bringing reliable access closer to home. Made possible by dedicated teams and sponsors, this is how lasting change takes shape in rural Burundi.