Due to high water price in Burundi, ESCEP-Bât constructs and sells water tanks from 1,000 litres to 4,000 litres, which consist of collecting and storing water in a tank.–By Diane Uwimana
Gilbert Nkezabahizi: “This tank contains drinking water” ©Iwacu
Gilbert Nkezabahizi, Chairperson of the Company ESCEP-Bât, notes that the company has the major objectives of improving the lives of beneficiaries, creating jobs, contributing to the country’s development and preserving as well as protecting the environment. “We would like to solve the problems of the lack of water in our country, improve water sanitation and store water from the tap,” says Nkezabahizi. He indicates that collecting rainwater prevents catastrophic events which should occur at any time. “When the rain falls, it does it with energetic force. Once it falls down, it destroys anything encountered on the way,” he explains.
With this innovation, he mentions that the system will not only preserve and protect the environment but also will create jobs and reduce the price of water at Regideso (Water and Electricity Company). “Rainwater is drinking water and free, why don’t we benefit from this beautiful gift offered by our God?” wonders Nkezabahizi. People from Jabe Quarter, Bwiza Commune, benefit much more from the tank fixed near the Catholic Church. “Since it has been set up near them, everyone takes the opportunity to drink the clean water from the tank. We don’t need to go far away,” says a woman holding a shop near the tank. The collection of water also prevents disasters and dangerous risks such as floods, starvation and droughts. “The recent case occurred on 9th February 2014 was caused by uncontrolled excessive running water. If we had known this, we would have collected rainwater from our house sheets and use it in our households instead of a lot of damages to many lives as well as inhabitants ‘belongings,” regrets Nkezabahizi.
After being prized by Burundi Business Incubator (BBIN) in 2012, Nkezabahizi underlines that everybody becomes interested in his project. “I have already worked closely with some NGO’s and built some tanks in Muyinga Province including 260 tanks of 4000 litres in Gasorwe Commune, 26 tanks of 4000 litres for Norwegian Refugees Council and 1500 tanks of 1000 litres for ADRA in Muyinga Province,” enumerates Nkezabahizi.
A very sustainable tank
Built by cement and sand, the entrepreneur notices that the tank is very solid and sustainable. “If it is well maintained, it may last over 40years. It is also adapted to different regions and less expensive. And it is easy to clean once one uses the brush and soap”, he adds. Note that a tank built without gutters, is made for an estimated cost of BIF 1,800,000 in towns while in rural areas the amount is BIF 2,000,000. According to him, it is important to use rainwater in households to reduce the price of water from Regideso Company. “With rainwater, someone should use it by cleaning, cooking, swimming and washing clothes. For drinking water, people should use few litres from Regideso,” suggests Nkezabahizi. He calls upon the government to sensitize people to wake up to the use of rainwater for their good health and environment protection. “Hospitals, schools and other community’s institutions should be aware of that and use this rainwater in order to reduce some charges”, he concludes.
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