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In the Shujola project (2019-2022), various business models were tested in urban and peri-urban areas. In 2022, Local Water 37 funded the testing of two social business models in rural areas: one for school children and one for local residents. Since 2019, Swisscontact has provided 17,000 people with clean water through nine local water kiosk companies.
Based on these successes, we want to refine these innovative business models in other water-scarce areas such as Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal and Sylhet. From July 2025-December 2027, 10 new water kiosk businesses will be established, providing safe water to 20,000 people and school children.
Swisscontact supports local water entrepreneurs by helping them establish small water enterprises that deliver clean drinking water to low-income communities in climatically vulnerable regions. We co-finance 40–60% of the initial investment and provide technical assistance, including training and coaching in operation and maintenance. Entrepreneurs and schools are selected as partners, and local water technology companies are commissioned to build reverse osmosis treatment plants. These plants are equipped with modern technologies such as digital water dispensers and digital payment systems to enhance efficiency and transparency.
To support distribution, we help entrepreneurs set up multiple sales channels, including water kiosks, canister filling stations, and delivery networks. Governance structures are established to ensure long-term sustainability, with water committees overseeing financial management and setting aside funds for maintenance. Local authorities are involved in monitoring to ensure accountability.
Our model promotes both economic and social sustainability by offering affordable water to the general public and free access for schoolchildren and vulnerable groups. We aim to eventually attract financial institutions to invest in the water kiosk model. The integration of environmentally friendly solutions, such as solar power and rainwater harvesting, further enhances the ecological value of our approach.
Swisscontact aims to establish the social water kiosk enterprise model as a sustainable approach to improving access to clean water in low-income communities in Bangladesh. To achieve this, the model needs to be replicated in other areas to gather more success stories and encourage local businesses and institutions to invest in water enterprises.
Over the next three years, Swisscontact plans to expand the water kiosk model in 10 additional low-income and vulnerable clusters in Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal and Sylhet. Our experience shows that water companies can be profitable and effective in locations where customers are willing to pay. We therefore want to test different variants of the model and strengthen the evidence base. Working with a local public school has enabled partnerships with other organisations such as schools, government agencies and clinics that provide space for water treatment facilities. This may also involve co-investment with local companies, with Swisscontact providing 40-60% of the investment.
This project is financed by Lokales Wasser 37 AG / Max Ditting AG. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.