These kids need our help - to stay clean, to stay hydrated - so they can continue focusing on their education and achieving their big dreams for life. —Gilbert Tuhabonye
PROJECT KICKOFF
Construction on the Kigomera-Matana water system began on January 31, 2023.
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 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.
GLOBAL RUN-Funded System
For the first time ever our Global Run For The Water participants joined together to help fund a water system. The Kigomera-Matana system has been selected as our Global Run-funded system.
This system – our 64th in Burundi – serves a total of 2,500 people in the community that includes schools, a community center, and a slaughterhouse. Learn more about the difficulties families face without access to clean water.
Global Run For The Water is an annual virtual event that can be run, jogged, or walked from any location on the globe. Learn more about Global Run For The Water. We thank our incredible community of givers for working to support Kigomera-Matana Water System #64.
Project Overview
Construction dates: January 31, 2023 - March 31, 2023
Located in Matana Colline
Scope: 2.500km pipeline*
2 storage tank*
5 tap stands*
Employees: 60 including masons and plumbers
Serves 2,500 residents in the community which includes a primary school, a college, a community center, and a slaughterhouse
Project Schematics
*During construction, the project scope was modified to bring clean water to a key location in the community: a slaughterhouse. Favorable water flow from the source made the modifications feasible. The modification extends the length of the distribution pipeline, adds a storage tank, and tap stand. Water access at the slaughterhouse will have a significant public health impact on the community.
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, slaughterhouse 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.
During the installation of the pipeline, clean water flows. It’s the first time residents have access to as much clean water as they want. Entrenchment of the pipeline and construction of 5 tap stands will happen as construction continues.
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.
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FIELD UPDATE 1: INTERIM PROGRESS
Progress on the Kigomera-Matana water system is well underway. Jean Bosco Ndabaniwe, our project manager, reports progress is moving along well, milestones completed as of February 23, 2023, include:
The two source catchments are complete
Two collection chambers are now 70% complete
Digging trenches is around 1.5 km
Connection of pipes is around .8 km
FIELD UPDATE 2: INTERIM PROGRESS
The Ibagiro Ry’Ibitungwa Rya Kijambere slaughterhouse operates 3 times a week, and serves between 1,200 to 1,500 people per day. This key location in the community now has access to clean water.
Progress on the Kigomera-Matana water system continues. The project team in Burundi, and the Program Services Committee in the United States worked to modify the original scope of work and extend the distribution pipeline to bring clean water to the Ibagiro Ry’Ibitungwa Rya Kijambere slaughterhouse.
While this change is highly unusual, the Gazelle Foundation seized the opportunity to have an even larger public health impact on this community. Slaughterhouses are one of the biggest culprits for water borne disease transmission. This slaughterhouse operates 3 times weekly, and sees 1,200 - 1,500 people per day. And now, it will have clean water.
Milestones completed as of March 20, 2023, include:
Collection chambers are complete
Tank 1 is complete
Tank 2 is 80% complete
3 tap stands are complete
Digging trenches is complete
Connection of pipes is around 2.3km
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Kigomera-Matana water system was completed on March 31, 2023. Two weeks ahead of schedule. It serves 2,500 people including Izere primary School, Matana primary and college school, the Matana community center, and everyone who rely on the Ibagiro Ry’Ibitungwa Rya Kijambere slaughterhouse. Construction of the system provided work for 60 local residents.
It brings us, 2,500 people closer to achieving our goal of providing every person in Burundi with clean water, the highest quality of life, and hope within reach.
JOIN OUR MISSION
This project was funded in part by 2022 Global Run For The Water participants and our wonderful supporters like you. We thank these generous individuals for changing the lives of the people in this community through access to clean water.
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.
Water is available during construction, before tap stands are built. The children seen here are now able to access clean water near their school Gazelle Foundation water systems equitably provide clean water to all, healing divisions and building common ground.