1001fontaines
1001fontaines provides safe, affordable drinking water to underserved rural and urban communities in four countries, using market-based models that are adapted to each specific local context. In Cambodia, 1 million people now consume safe drinking water supplied by 1001fontaines, who we've funded since 2020. Three out of four of them previously relied on unsafe water. 370,000 children also benefit from free safe water at school. Since 2024, we have also been funding 1001fontaines' work in Madagascar.
1001fontaines.com | Partner since 2020
Challenge
2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water according to the UN's World Water Development Report 2024. Every 10 seconds, a person dies from bacterial infection, parasites or dehydration resulting from the consumption of unsafe water.
Response
IN CAMBODIA
1001fontaines sets up water kiosks containing small water purification plants. It trains local entrepreneurs to run these kiosks, producing safe drinking water and delivering it to people’s homes in 20L refillable bottles. The water price is agreed with the community to ensure families can afford it and that the business remains sustainable. A local franchising entity provides each entrepreneur with ongoing coaching, technical assistance, routine maintenance and a monthly water quality control test.
IN MADAGASCAR
1001fontaines serves the urban areas of Tamatave, Madagascar’s second largest city, through its local partner Ranontsika. Ranontsika produces safe drinking water in a large, centralised production facility and sells it to underserved urban communities at an affordable price through a network of water vending kiosks.
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