PROJECT KICKOFF

We are pleased to announce that construction on the Musinzira-Mahwa water system kicked off on February 10, 2026. The system was made possible by the generosity of donors like you.

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 nearby, which means community members walk several miles away to fetch water that is contaminated.

This project will serve 3,500 people. If you’d like to learn how you can help, and get involved see 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 February 10, 2026
Located in Ruzira and Mahwa Colline, of Matana Commune
Scope: 14 km pipeline (8.7 miles)
8 storage tanks
15 tap stands
Employees: 85 workers including masons and plumbers
Serves 3,500 residents, and includes 2 churches

Project Schematic

*Beneficiaries of this system total 3,500 people including Mahwa Anglican Church (160 worshipers), Emmanuel Church (150 worshipers).*

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.

Top Left: Drawing of Water Tank includes specification for details and materials. Hiring local workers for the project provides an infusion of work in the area, and also develops local knowledge for upkeep and maintenance, as the ownership of all water systems are turned over to the community upon completion. Top Right, completed tank at a recentlyu completed water system. Bottom Left and Right residents accessing clean water at a recently completed water system.

HOW IT WORKS

Water is captured from a reliable source before it can become contaminated. It is filtered in the collection chamber and flows onward. Entrenched PVC pipe carries water to holding tanks and to multiple tap stands. Tap stands are strategically positioned within easy walking distance to schools, churches, community centers, health clinics and other central locations to maximize access points for all residents. Water is available for free to all people regardless of the person’s 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.

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

Stay Tuned for Construction Updates,

We post updates in real time on our social media channels

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 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.

GIVE CLEAN WATER