Flood barrier solutions in Burundi are essential to reduce flood risks and protect vulnerable communities. In this UNEP-supported project, WaveSave deploys SLAMDAM mobile flood barriers to provide fast and scalable flood protection.
Burundi faced a complex water management challenge: severe flooding threatened communities and infrastructure, while water scarcity during dry periods hampered agricultural productivity. Traditional flood control methods couldn’t address this dual challenge of flood protection and water conservation, leaving communities vulnerable to both extremes.
To implement an innovative dual-purpose solution using SLAMDAM mobile flood barriers to protect vulnerable communities from flooding while simultaneously creating water storage capabilities for agricultural irrigation during dry periods.
This flood barrier Burundi UNEP project focuses on rapid deployment in flood-prone areas. WaveSave delivered an integrated water management solution centered around our innovative SLAMDAM mobile flood barriers. The system includes:
Unlike permanent flood defence infrastructure, WaveSave provides deployable solutions such as SLAMDAM, enabling rapid protection and immediate impact without long construction timelines.
Location: Bubanza Province in Burundi
Timeline: 2021 – 2022
Deploying flood barriers in Burundi enables immediate and scalable improvements in flood protection and climate resilience.
The project aligns with international climate resilience and disaster risk reduction frameworks supported by organizations such as UNEP, UNDRR, and the World Bank.
Flooding in Burundi is becoming more frequent due to changing rainfall patterns and climate variability. Many regions face challenges in implementing large-scale infrastructure quickly enough to respond to these risks.
Deployable flood barriers provide a practical solution that can be rapidly installed and adapted to different locations. This makes them particularly effective for protecting communities, infrastructure, and economic activities.
For governments and international partners, deployable solutions offer a scalable and cost-effective way to improve flood resilience and support climate adaptation.
SLAMDAM is a mobile flood barrier designed to provide rapid and effective flood protection. Unlike traditional flood defenses, SLAMDAM can be deployed quickly.
Deployed 200 m of SLAMDAM in less than 2 hours to prevent glacier-melt flooding.
Local teams were trained in deploying and managing SLAMDAM and the early warning system.
Enhanced early flood warning with integrated monitoring and communication tools.
Reduced flood damage to homes and protected 250 hectares of farmland.
Enhanced early flood warning with integrated monitoring and communication tools.
Increased long-term flood resilience through community empowerment and scalable technology
What our clients say
The SLAMDAM project has successfully demonstrated how innovative flood barriers can protect vulnerable areas in Gilgit-Baltistan, offering a sustainable solution for flood management..
Head of Water Resources & Glaciology, Islamabad,
Pakistan
SLAMDAM has transformed our community’s resilience to floods. With the technology and training, we now feel empowered to protect our homes and livelihoods.
Community Leader Passu Community
The SLAMDAM project has successfully demonstrated how innovative flood barriers can protect vulnerable areas in Gilgit-Baltistan, offering a sustainable solution for flood management..
Head of Water Resources & Glaciology, Islamabad,
Pakistan
