Hope Africa University Master Plan Update, Burundi (Remote)

Hope Africa University (HAU) in Bujumbura, Burundi has been steadily growing and currently serves over 7,000 students from as many as 14 different countries. HAU's mission is to transform students for character development and service through professional and academic programs, for the purpose of glorifying God and serving humanity.

In 2022, EMI performed two previous project trips to the site in Burundi: in February to assess the existing facilities and in June to prepare a conceptual master site plan and conceptual design of medical school building. The ministry has acquired additional property and has asked EMI to revisit these designs to see what additional opportunities this new land presents to help the university grow in a strategic and sustainable way.

Because there have been two previous site visits, the team decided that another site visit was not needed at this time. Instead, this project will be completed remotely with all meetings happening via video calls.

Upon completion of the master plan updates, there may be an opportunity for EMI staff and volunteers to continue to build their relationship with the Ministry by serving in an Owner's Representative role throughout detailed design and construction, including traveling to Burundi to meet with local designers and contractors. This longer-term engagement is not required in order to work remotely on the master plan update, but is an opportunity that may be available to interested volunteers.

Project Scope

The scope for this project includes:

1. Virtual programming meeting(s) with Ministry leadership and stakeholders to update the program prepared by previous EMI teams.

2. Develop site master plans, including proposed building locations, parking, driveways, sidewalks, infrastructure, and construction phasing.

3. Develop conceptual architectural designs and structural recommendations for one primary building.

4. Assess and provide civil engineering conceptual design for site drainage, water, and sanitation systems. (Does not include internal plumbing)

5. Assess and provide recommendations for electrical supply and distribution systems, including conceptual solar recommendations. (Does not include individual building wiring layouts)

If you feel called to volunteer your time, skills and expertise as we partner with Hope Africa University on this exciting, Christ-centered project, we would love to hear from you!

— David Lowe, EMI USA trip leader

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