PROJECT KICKOFF
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Ngarambe-Kidaseba water system began September 28, 2026. Over the next 15 weeks, local teams will build a new system serving this rural community of 800 people.
Today, families walk several miles to collect contaminated water. Once complete, the new system will bring permanent, nearby access to clean water, and a new beginning for the entire community.
If you’d like to learn how to 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 September 28, 2026 - January 2027
Rwego Colline, of Matana Commune
Scope: 2 km pipeline (9.3 miles)
1,200km principal pipeline
.800 km distribution pipeline
1 collection chamber
2 tanks: 5m tank, 10m tank
4 tap stands
Employees: 45 workers including masons and plumbers
Serves 800 residents
Project Schematic
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.
These images show the full picture—from (top) a schematic drawing of the collection chamber to completed infrastructure, and (bottom) finally residents accessing clean water. Simple, reliable systems built by local workers and sustained by 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 clean water to tanks and to multiple water 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 at no charge 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.
Residents at an existing Gazelle Foundation water system
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
INTERIM PROJECT UPDATE: 1
We’ll share updates here throughout construction, including photos, progress from the field and key project milestones. Our next update is October 26 and will also be shared on social media.
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.
June 2026—A community member carries clean water home from a newly completed Gazelle Foundation tap stand in Burundi. Access to clean water means healthier families, more time for school and work, and stronger communities. Made possible by dedicated teams and sponsors, this is how lasting change takes shape in Burundi.