PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Kidasha-Kayange Water System #49 began on September 20, 2018, and was completed on January 7th, 2019. The commune where this system is located is the Songa Commune in the Rudundwe Colline of the Bururi Province. Members of this community currently have a primary water source a significant distance away from communal spaces such as churches and schools, and the water the community does have access to 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 our generous supporters, this project will serve 1,200 people when complete.
Project Overview
Construction dates: September 20, 2018 - January 7, 2019
Located in Songa commune
Scope: 3 km pipeline
2 storage tanks
5 tap stands
Employees: 45 including masons and plumbers
Serves 1,200 residents
Project Schematics
Schematic overview of the Kidasha-Kayange system shows the principle pipeline connecting to two storage tanks, and a distribution pipeline connecting to 5 tap stands.
Designing and building a water system is no simple task, however our proven process is used again and again because it works. The first phase of construction is transporting supplies to the work site. Transporting rocks to the construction site is not easy in Burundi.
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.
See a rendering of a typical water system and learn more about how we build water systems.
Source Excavation: Digging is done by hand
Economic Benefits of Clean Water Investment
According to the World Health Organization, every dollar invested in clean water yields $4 - $12 in economic returns. In Burundi, building water systems provides jobs and stimulates local economies in a country with one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, and where the average family lives on less than $600 a year.
For this project, 45 local workers have been hired to help with system construction, including masons and plumbers. We also purchase supplies and materials locally, giving the community’s economy a further boost.
Hiring local workers for the projects also develops local knowledge for upkeep and maintenance, as the ownership of all water systems are turned over to the community upon completion. See completed water systems.
Project Updates
Interim Progress Update: 1
Materials received at sites, trenches for pipes begin
Storage tank construction begins, trenching for pipeline continues
Residents are able to collect clean water from the pipeline during construction of the water system.
Interim Progress Update: 2:
Trenching for pipeline continues
3 tap stands are complete
storage tanks sealed and complete
pipeline is covered
testing is underway
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Kidasha-Kayange water system was completed on January 7, 2019. Completion of the Kidasha-Kayange system brings us 1,200 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.
