PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Kabuki-Banda-Kiroro Water System #56 kicked off on June 5, 2020. The system was fully funded by generous donors of the 2020 Come Together For The Water event.
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 this project will serve 1,100 people when it is complete.
Project Overview
Construction dates: June 5, 2020 - August 28, 2020
Located in Bururi Province of Matana Commune
Scope: 2.200 km pipeline
2 storage tanks
5 tap stands
Employees: 55 workers including masons and plumbers
Serves 1,100 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 central locations in the community 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.
Tank detail and elevation, and typical tank during construction. Learn more about how we build water systems.
Project Updates
Interim Progress Update 1
We’re happy to share the third progress report on the Kabuki-Banda-Kiroro water system. The project is on time and on budget and is already improving the quality of life for people in Burundi. The system was fully funded by generous donors to the 2020 Come Together For The Water event. Progress milestones:
Source catchment protection is complete
Collection chamber is complete
3/5 tap stands are complete
Collection tank 1 is complete
Collection tank 2 is 90% complete
All trenching (hand dug infrastructure for piping) is complete
Connection of pipes is around 2km
From Burundi our project manager Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe relays the following, “I would like to let you know that the community is very happy to get clean water.”
Thanks to the progress to date—including three fully functional tap stand—residents are able to access clean water close to home, for the first time in this community’s history. See the joy access to water brings to two women. We can’t thank you enough for helping fund clean water.
Economic Impact
Workers completing one of five tap stands that will soon deliver clean water to the community. Now more than ever clean water it is vital for good health.
The project has employed 55 local workers, which brings much needed stimulus to the local economy. Additionally, time spent gathering water or seeking safe sanitation accounts for billions in lost economic opportunities globally. When complete this project will turns time spent into time saved, giving families more time to pursue education and work opportunities that will help them break the cycle of poverty. Learn how clean water is foundational to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Progress photographs include plumbers cutting pipe, building water collection tank 2, residents able to get clean water for daily use including washing clothes.
Interim Project Update: 2
Progress on the Kabuki-Bando-Kiroro Water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well. Milestones completed to date:
Tank construction complete
Piping in place
Tap stands nearing completion
Project pictures emailed to Gazelle Foundation
Receipts for all materials and full accounting of all expenses emailed to the Gazelle Foundation
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Kiroro-Bando-Kiroro water system was completed on August 28, 2020.
Completion of this system brings us 1,100 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. Read more about the handover.
JOIN OUR MISSION
This project was funded by wonderful 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 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.
