Project Kickoff
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Kumutukura-Gisasa extension water system began on May 15, 2015, on the same day as two previous projects were completed. The Project will extend an existing water project that was not accessible to this community. This improvement will greatly improve the population’s health and well-being. See the full list of projects here.
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: May 2015 - August
Scope: 3.5km pipeline
1 storage tanks
3 tap stands
Employees: 30 including masons and plumbers
Serves 800 residents
Project Schematics
Where or What is a Colline?
In the United States we have states, cities, and counties… learn more about geographic subdivisions 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.
FIELD UPDATE: PROGRESS REPORT
Progress on the Kumutukura-Gisasa Extension water system is well underway, with a projected completion date of August 2015. Milestones 6 weeks into construction:
Initial materials purchased and transported from Bujumbura
Receipts for all materials and full accounting of all expense were emailed to Gazelle Foundation
Site prepared catchment is complete
Digging trenches complete
Storage tanks nearing completion
Tap stand construction has begun
Clean Water Means Education
Without access to clean water, people must spend valuable time collecting water for daily use, and they are sick more often, due to preventable water-borne diseases. Both of these have a disproportionate impact on children, whose school attendance suffers because they are needed at home or are simply ill. With clean, accessible water, these barriers to education disappear.
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.
SYSTEM COMPLETION
The Kumutukura-Gisasa Extension water system was completed in August 2015. It extends a previous system to nearby residents. 800 people now have access to 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.
JOIN OUR MISSION
This water system was funded by wonderful supporters like you. We thank these generous individuals for changing the everyday lives of the people in this community through access to clean water.
Our work relies on the generosity of our supporters. Access to clean water means access to better health, stronger community, jobs, education, and most of all: hope. Help us give the gift of clean water to those that need it most.