Swiss Fresh Water – Bolivia

Swiss Partners

Swiss Fresh Water SFW, Lausanne
www.swissfreshwater.ch
Thomas Gajan

Project Type:

Pilot project

Technology:

Energy efficiency

Country:

Bolivia

Project Status:

Completed

Project Start:

2015

End of Project:

2022

Contract:

2015.05

Documentation

Swiss Contribution

Swiss Fresh Water is a socially responsible, private limited company which has extensive experience in project management and water treatment. SFW has developed a solution for decentralized and low-cost clean drinking water production, based on solar energy. Following a first pilot project co-financed by REPIC, SFW is already in the multiplication phase in Senegal.

Description

In various regions of Bolivia, the population’s water supply is insufficient. In the urban zone of the Altiplano, for example, more than 60% of the inhabitants have no access to clean drinking water.

The project aims for sustainable drinking water supply improvement by:

  •  Local drinking water production and the construction of seven water kiosks;
  •  Development of a locally adapted business model;
  •  Training and support of local partners (technology and business development).

Results

Following several unexpected delays, the project was re-launched at the beginning of 2019 and maintained its original objectives. In 2019, four kiosks were put into operation and technicians were trained. At the beginning of 2020, two more water kiosks could be put into operation. The kiosk operators were trained and advised on the preparation and implementation of financial and business plans for the Swiss Fresh Water’s economic operation. However, the project was strongly impacted COVID-19. Nevertheless, funds for the construction of a large kiosk with several machines were undertaken by the project’s stakeholders.

Impacts

The built infrastructure, the trained people and the pledged funds for a large water kiosk with several machines provide a good basis for the project’s further development. The experience gained in Bolivia will also be valuable for business development in Senegal and vice versa.