Large black irrigation bags lie in a field of crops, with a person wearing a hat working among the plants in the background under a cloudy sky.

SLAMDAM: Dual-Purpose Flood Protection and Water Storage System

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.

Project Overview

Background & Goal

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.

 

Flood barrier solutions in Burundi

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.

Solution

Deploying mobile flood barriers for climate resilience

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:

  • SLAMDAM mobile flood barriers
  • Enhanced emergency flood response
  • Data-driven flood analytics
  • Community training programs
  • Increased irrigation water storage

Unlike permanent flood defence infrastructure, WaveSave provides deployable solutions such as SLAMDAM, enabling rapid protection and immediate impact without long construction timelines.

Clients and Donors

United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN)

Location

Location: Bubanza Province in Burundi

Timeline: 2021 – 2022

Project impact

Deploying flood barriers in Burundi enables immediate and scalable improvements in flood protection and climate resilience.

  • Prevented flood damage to homes & lands
  • Created water storage for irrigation 
  • Improved agricultural yields
  • Enhanced community flood resilience
  • Food protection & water storage model
  • Successful adaptation to local conditions

The project aligns with international climate resilience and disaster risk reduction frameworks supported by organizations such as UNEP, UNDRR, and the World Bank.

Why deployable flood barriers are critical for Burundi

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.

Gallery

Two men carry a large plastic bin in a grassy field, with palm trees and people visible in the background.

People placing items in a large plastic box outdoors in a rural area under a partly cloudy sky.

Four men work together outdoors, lifting a large black bag or tarp in an agricultural setting with palm trees in the background.

Men rolling black tarp on muddy ground in a rural landscape, with palm trees and other people in the background.

A group of people work together to unfold a large black tarp in a grassy field under a cloudy sky.

Two people are standing on large black bags in an open field. One holds a hose, while palm trees and a ditch are visible in the background.

A person inspects a large pipeline with visible water leakage, while others watch nearby under a cloudy sky.

A man in a sleeveless shirt operates a large pump or machinery outdoors, with a clear sky and greenery in the background.

A person inspects large black plastic silos in an outdoor setting. They are wearing orange pants, a patterned shirt, boots, and a cap. Lush greenery and hills are visible in the background.

Large black irrigation bags lie in a field of crops, with a person wearing a hat working among the plants in the background under a cloudy sky.

SLAMDAM mobile flood barrier between palm trees beside a muddy, flooded field in Burundi

Large black plastic biogas bag with connected pipes in a grassy area, surrounded by green vegetation and trees. Overcast sky in the background.

A grassy field with erosion barriers next to a partially drained pond, surrounded by palm trees and hills under a cloudy sky.

Two people are working in a field with hoes. They are surrounded by green plants and trees under a cloudy sky.

Two women stand outside, smiling and laughing. They wear headscarves and patterned skirts. A woven fence and greenery are in the background.

Seven children stand smiling against a mud-brick wall, dressed in casual clothing, some with their arms crossed or hands raised.

Key highlights

In Bubanza Province, SLAMDAM was used as a dual-purpose system: protection against flooding and water storage for irrigation in dry periods.

Flood protection

Prevented flood damage to homes and land in the project area.

Water for irrigation

Created water storage for irrigation and improved agricultural yields.

Community resilience

Enhanced community flood resilience. The system included community training and data-driven flood analytics.

Testimonials

What our clients say

WaveSave’s innovative flood and drought control solutions have significantly enhanced our community’s resilience against flooding and drought. Communities use SLAMDAM for flood protection and water storage, which enables them to double production.

Portrait of Prosper Dodiko

Hon. Ir. Prosper Dodiko

The Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock in Burundi

Want to learn more about this project or how WaveSave can bring flood protection to your community?

Contact us now