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Confluence Association: Formerly known as Tambours de Bronze, Confluence Association was established in 2012 through the initiative of a group of dedicated French experts with extensive experience in Luang Prabang, specializing in water and sanitation, environmental sustainability, and heritage preservation.
In its mission to enhance the living conditions of rural communities within the Khan River basin, Confluence leverages the institutional, geographical, and technical knowledge of its founding members.
Confluence Association: Formerly known as Tambours de Bronze, Confluence Association was established in 2012 through the initiative of a group of dedicated French experts with extensive experience in Luang Prabang, specializing in water and sanitation, environmental sustainability, and heritage preservation.
In its mission to enhance the living conditions of rural communities within the Khan River basin, Confluence leverages the institutional, geographical, and technical knowledge of its founding members.
A story of cooperation
A story of cooperation
The association is strongly linked to the historical cooperation between Luang Prabang Province and the Centre Val de Loire region. While the cities of Chinon and Luang Prabang to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for Luang Prabang, the Centre Val de Loire Region and the Luang Prabang Province joined forces in 2005 to benefit the province’s rural areas. It is in this context that Confluence was established, an association set up to support and implement water and sanitation projects.
Over the years, Confluence has emerged as a pivotal contributor to this collaborative effort, becoming the preferred partner of the Centre Val de Loire region and a valued technical ally of the provincial authorities in Luang Prabang.
The association is strongly linked to the historical cooperation between Luang Prabang Province and the Centre Val de Loire region. While the cities of Chinon and Luang Prabang to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for Luang Prabang, the Centre Val de Loire Region and the Luang Prabang Province joined forces in 2005 to benefit the province’s rural areas. It is in this context that Confluence was established, an association set up to support and implement water and sanitation projects.
Over the years, Confluence has emerged as a pivotal contributor to this collaborative effort, becoming the preferred partner of the Centre Val de Loire region and a valued technical ally of the provincial authorities in Luang Prabang.
Structuring projects and tangible positive impacts
Structuring projects and tangible positive impacts
Since its creation, the association has carried out five major projects under the umbrella and mandate of this decentralized cooperation. These projects have enabled Confluence to grow and develop a recognized technical expertise in access to water and sanitation in rural areas.
The association has improved access to water in over 60 villages, impacting more than 20,000 individuals. Acting within the framework of cooperation, the association now provides technical assistance to the Namsaat services of Luang Prabang Province, which oversee access to water in rural areas.
Since its creation, the association has carried out five major projects under the umbrella and mandate of this decentralized cooperation. These projects have enabled Confluence to grow and develop a recognized technical expertise in access to water and sanitation in rural areas.
The association has improved access to water in over 60 villages, impacting more than 20,000 individuals. Acting within the framework of cooperation, the association now provides technical assistance to the Namsaat services of Luang Prabang Province, which oversee access to water in rural areas.
16 years of development projects focusing on access to water
16 years of development projects focusing on access to water
AEP Namkhan - Phase 1 project
AEP Namkhan - Phase 2 project
PERSEA project
DEAR Water - Phase 1 project
DEAR Water - Phase 2 project
Access to water
Access to water
Access to sanitation
Hygiene education
Le rôle décisif d’une eau saine pour les communautés locales
Le rôle décisif d’une eau saine pour les communautés locales
Considéré comme un besoin essentiel, «l’accès à l’eau propre» est la priorité de l’Objectif de Développement Durable (ODD) n°6. Au Laos, malgré des améliorations notables au cours des 10 dernières années, l’accès à l’eau reste un défi pour une partie de la population du pays. Si 85% des populations urbaines ont accès à une source d’eau améliorée (source d’eau qui protège la ressource de contaminations extérieures, notamment des matières fécales), seule 69% des populations rurales en disposent.
Différents facteurs explique cette situation: les villages ruraux, isolés, ne peuvent être raccordés aux réseaux urbains et péri urbains. Lorsque des réseaux existent, ceux-ci sont souvent obsolètes, sous dimensionnés ou dépendent d’une source d’eau au débit irrégulier. Les populations rurales se tournent alors vers des points d’eau non protégés pour les usages domestiques et la boisson, tels que ruisseaux, résurgences, ou marres. L’accès à une eau saine est donc une préoccupation quotidienne pour les communautés rurales, et notamment pour les femmes et enfants, qui sont généralement responsables de la corvée de l’eau.
Ces difficultés ont un impact direct sur la santé des communautés : la Banque Mondiale estime ainsi que chaque année au Laos, 3 millions de cas de maladie et 6 000 décès prématurés sont directement liés à la consommation d’eau impropre et à un assainissement médiocre. Par extension, la récurrence des maladies hydriques réduit le temps d’apprentissage des enfants, et limite la capacité des adultes à développer des activités génératrices de revenus. L’accès à une eau saine est donc un enjeu majeur pour améliorer la santé des communautés et, in fine, réduire la pauvreté.
Considéré comme un besoin essentiel, «l’accès à l’eau propre» est la priorité de l’Objectif de Développement Durable (ODD) n°6. Au Laos, malgré des améliorations notables au cours des 10 dernières années, l’accès à l’eau reste un défi pour une partie de la population du pays. Si 85% des populations urbaines ont accès à une source d’eau améliorée (source d’eau qui protège la ressource de contaminations extérieures, notamment des matières fécales), seule 69% des populations rurales en disposent.
Différents facteurs explique cette situation: les villages ruraux, isolés, ne peuvent être raccordés aux réseaux urbains et péri urbains. Lorsque des réseaux existent, ceux-ci sont souvent obsolètes, sous dimensionnés ou dépendent d’une source d’eau au débit irrégulier. Les populations rurales se tournent alors vers des points d’eau non protégés pour les usages domestiques et la boisson, tels que ruisseaux, résurgences, ou marres. L’accès à une eau saine est donc une préoccupation quotidienne pour les communautés rurales, et notamment pour les femmes et enfants, qui sont généralement responsables de la corvée de l’eau.
Ces difficultés ont un impact direct sur la santé des communautés : la Banque Mondiale estime ainsi que chaque année au Laos, 3 millions de cas de maladie et 6 000 décès prématurés sont directement liés à la consommation d’eau impropre et à un assainissement médiocre. Par extension, la récurrence des maladies hydriques réduit le temps d’apprentissage des enfants, et limite la capacité des adultes à développer des activités génératrices de revenus. L’accès à une eau saine est donc un enjeu majeur pour améliorer la santé des communautés et, in fine, réduire la pauvreté.
L’action de Confluence : créer des systèmes d’eau en partenariat avec les villages
L’action de Confluence : créer des systèmes d’eau en partenariat avec les villages
Confluence construit ou réhabilite des systèmes d’eau gravitaires dans des villages ruraux. S’appuyant sur la topographie montagneuse de la Province de Luang Prabang, et sur la présence de sources et de résurgences, l’association conçoit, en partenariat avec les communautés locales et les autorités, des systèmes d’adduction d’eau gravitaires jusqu’aux villages. Ces systèmes d’eau, appelés GFS (de l’anglais Gravity Fed Water Systems), représentent une solution technique pertinente dans le contexte local et facile d’entretien.
Le schéma suivant reprend les principales caractéristiques d’un GFS.
Survolez votre souris sur les éléments du graphique interactif pour plus de détails.
Confluence construit ou réhabilite des systèmes d’eau gravitaires dans des villages ruraux. S’appuyant sur la topographie montagneuse de la Province de Luang Prabang, et sur la présence de sources et de résurgences, l’association conçoit, en partenariat avec les communautés locales et les autorités, des systèmes d’adduction d’eau gravitaires jusqu’aux villages. Ces systèmes d’eau, appelés GFS (de l’anglais Gravity Fed Water Systems), représentent une solution technique pertinente dans le contexte local et facile d’entretien.
Le schéma suivant reprend les principales caractéristiques d’un GFS.
Survolez votre souris sur les éléments du graphique interactif pour plus de détails.
- La source d’eau alimente le réseau de manière continue. La source peut être soit un petit cours d’eau de quelques dizaines de centimètres de large, soit une émergence de nappe souterraine (résurgence). Ces dernières restent cependant rares et souvent d’un débit insuffisant.
- Le captage a pour fonction de piéger toute l’eau nécessaire, de la filtrer grossièrement et de la diriger vers le bassin brise charge.
- Le bassin de mise en charge (BMC) a pour rôle de retenir les sédiments et autres impuretés et de « mettre en charge la principale canalisation d’adduction de l’eau vers le village.
- Les bassins brise charge (BBC) sont nécessaires lorsque le dénivelé est important, pouvant ainsi générer des pressions trop élevées dans canalisations. Les BMC permettent donc de limiter la pression aux points clef du système afin qu’elle n’atteigne pas des niveaux supérieurs aux limites de résistance des canalisations. Les tuyaux couramment utilisés au Laos résistent à une pression de 6 bars qui correspond à un dénivelé d’environ 60m.
- Le réservoir d’eau du village est installé lorsque le débit horaire de la source d’eau captée est inférieur à la plus forte demande horaire en eau des villages. Il assure donc un stockage de l’eau pendant les périodes de faible demande, la nuit par exemple, afin de pouvoir satisfaire les pics de consommation de la journée (lessive, préparation des repas, toilette). Les besoins sont estimés à 60 litres par jour par habitant.
- Le réseau d’adduction constitué de tuyaux en polyéthylènes permet d’acheminer l’eau du captage vers le réservoir.
- Le réseau de distribution constitué de tuyaux en polyéthylènes, conduit l’eau du réservoir vers les points d’accès à l’eau.
- Les éventuels ouvrages de traversée de cours d’eau ou de fossés.
- Les points d’accès à l’eau. Deux types d’accès à l’eau sont possibles, en fonction du type de village, des demandes des communautés et de leur capacité à payer l’eau :
- Les bornes fontaines collectives. Ces dernières sont équipées de robinets et installées sur des dalles en béton. En moyenne, 8 à 10 familles partagent une borne fontaine.
- Les branchements privatifs dans chaque foyer. Equipé d’un compteur d’eau, chaque ménage paie une redevance variable selon la quantité d’eau consommée.
- Les éventuels ouvrages de traversée de cours d’eau ou de fossés.
Les réseaux sont construits directement par les communautés. Confluence fournit un appui matériel, en subventionnant les matériaux de construction, et technique, en s’occupant de la conception du réseau et en mettant à disposition un maçon pendant l’ensemble de la construction.
Les communautés participent à la construction en mobilisant, chaque jour, une dizaine de travailleurs. Elles fournissent également certains matériaux disponibles localement tels que bois, sable et graviers.
- La source d’eau alimente le réseau de manière continue. La source peut être soit un petit cours d’eau de quelques dizaines de centimètres de large, soit une émergence de nappe souterraine (résurgence). Ces dernières restent cependant rares et souvent d’un débit insuffisant.
- Le captage a pour fonction de piéger toute l’eau nécessaire, de la filtrer grossièrement et de la diriger vers le bassin brise charge.
- Le bassin de mise en charge (BMC) a pour rôle de retenir les sédiments et autres impuretés et de « mettre en charge la principale canalisation d’adduction de l’eau vers le village.
- Les bassins brise charge (BBC) sont nécessaires lorsque le dénivelé est important, pouvant ainsi générer des pressions trop élevées dans canalisations. Les BMC permettent donc de limiter la pression aux points clef du système afin qu’elle n’atteigne pas des niveaux supérieurs aux limites de résistance des canalisations. Les tuyaux couramment utilisés au Laos résistent à une pression de 6 bars qui correspond à un dénivelé d’environ 60m.
- Le réservoir d’eau du village est installé lorsque le débit horaire de la source d’eau captée est inférieur à la plus forte demande horaire en eau des villages. Il assure donc un stockage de l’eau pendant les périodes de faible demande, la nuit par exemple, afin de pouvoir satisfaire les pics de consommation de la journée (lessive, préparation des repas, toilette). Les besoins sont estimés à 60 litres par jour par habitant.
- Le réseau d’adduction constitué de tuyaux en polyéthylènes permet d’acheminer l’eau du captage vers le réservoir.
- Le réseau de distribution constitué de tuyaux en polyéthylènes, conduit l’eau du réservoir vers les points d’accès à l’eau.
- Les éventuels ouvrages de traversée de cours d’eau ou de fossés.
- Les points d’accès à l’eau. Deux types d’accès à l’eau sont possibles, en fonction du type de village, des demandes des communautés et de leur capacité à payer l’eau :
- Les bornes fontaines collectives. Ces dernières sont équipées de robinets et installées sur des dalles en béton. En moyenne, 8 à 10 familles partagent une borne fontaine.
- Les branchements privatifs dans chaque foyer. Equipé d’un compteur d’eau, chaque ménage paie une redevance variable selon la quantité d’eau consommée.
- Les éventuels ouvrages de traversée de cours d’eau ou de fossés.
Les réseaux sont construits directement par les communautés. Confluence fournit un appui matériel, en subventionnant les matériaux de construction, et technique, en s’occupant de la conception du réseau et en mettant à disposition un maçon pendant l’ensemble de la construction.
Les communautés participent à la construction en mobilisant, chaque jour, une dizaine de travailleurs. Elles fournissent également certains matériaux disponibles localement tels que bois, sable et graviers.
Gestion et maintenance des réseaux d’eau
Gestion et maintenance des réseaux d’eau
Les réseaux d’eau construits par Confluence sont gérés directement par les communautés. Dans chaque village, la population élit un comité de gestion, définit des règles d’usage, et fixe un tarif de l’eau.
Le comité de gestion de l’eau est chargé de la supervision du réseau, de la collecte des contributions et du respect des règles d’usage. Cette gestion communautaire, adaptée au contexte local, permet de responsabiliser les communautés et de limiter les coûts associés.
La maintenance des réseaux d’eau est assurée par les techniciens du comité de l’eau du village. Formés par Confluence, ils sont soutenus par les techniciens des Bureaux de la santé des Districts concernés. La création d’un fonds de maintenance, alimenté par les contributions de chaque ménage usager, permet de financer les réparations et de fournir une indemnité aux techniciens du village.
Les réseaux gravitaires sont faciles à entretenir à condition qu’ils soient suivis de manière régulière. La maintenance se veut donc préventive, par le nettoyage régulier et l’inspection régulière des installations. Les opérations de maintenance corrective les plus régulières (réparation d’une fuite, changement d’un robinet, remplacement d’un compteur d’eau) peuvent également être effectuées directement par les techniciens du village.
Les réseaux d’eau construits par Confluence sont gérés directement par les communautés. Dans chaque village, la population élit un comité de gestion, définit des règles d’usage, et fixe un tarif de l’eau.
Le comité de gestion de l’eau est chargé de la supervision du réseau, de la collecte des contributions et du respect des règles d’usage. Cette gestion communautaire, adaptée au contexte local, permet de responsabiliser les communautés et de limiter les coûts associés.
La maintenance des réseaux d’eau est assurée par les techniciens du comité de l’eau du village. Formés par Confluence, ils sont soutenus par les techniciens des Bureaux de la santé des Districts concernés. La création d’un fonds de maintenance, alimenté par les contributions de chaque ménage usager, permet de financer les réparations et de fournir une indemnité aux techniciens du village.
Les réseaux gravitaires sont faciles à entretenir à condition qu’ils soient suivis de manière régulière. La maintenance se veut donc préventive, par le nettoyage régulier et l’inspection régulière des installations. Les opérations de maintenance corrective les plus régulières (réparation d’une fuite, changement d’un robinet, remplacement d’un compteur d’eau) peuvent également être effectuées directement par les techniciens du village.
Défis liés à l’eau
Défis liés à l’eau
La disponibilité de la ressource en eau reste cependant un défi majeur pour ces solutions locales. Soumis aux pressions des utilisations villageoises, les sources et bassins versants peuvent s’assécher au fil des années. La protection de la ressource en eau est donc un élément fondamental de la durabilité des réseaux.
Si les eaux captées sont saines et les zones de captage protégées des animaux et du bétail, l’eau apportée par les GFS ne remplit pas les critères de potabilité recommandés par l’OMS. La potabilisation de l’eau est donc un enjeu supplémentaire et crucial dans la lutte contre les maladies hydriques. Si les communautés, par sécurité, habitude et goût, boue l’eau avant de la boire, Confluence teste et propose aux communautés des systèmes simples et accessibles de filtration et de purification de l’eau.
La disponibilité de la ressource en eau reste cependant un défi majeur pour ces solutions locales. Soumis aux pressions des utilisations villageoises, les sources et bassins versants peuvent s’assécher au fil des années. La protection de la ressource en eau est donc un élément fondamental de la durabilité des réseaux.
Si les eaux captées sont saines et les zones de captage protégées des animaux et du bétail, l’eau apportée par les GFS ne remplit pas les critères de potabilité recommandés par l’OMS. La potabilisation de l’eau est donc un enjeu supplémentaire et crucial dans la lutte contre les maladies hydriques. Si les communautés, par sécurité, habitude et goût, boue l’eau avant de la boire, Confluence teste et propose aux communautés des systèmes simples et accessibles de filtration et de purification de l’eau.
The critical role of clean water for local communities
The critical role of clean water for local communities
Access to clean water is a fundamental human necessity and a core priority of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. In Lao PDR, despite significant improvements over the last 10 years, access to water remains a challenge for rural communities. While 85% of urban populations have access to an improved water source (protected from external contamination, particularly fecal matter), only 69% of rural populations do.
Multiple factors contribute to this disparity: many rural villages remain remote, impossible to connect to urban water networks. Where rural networks exist, they are often obsolete, outdated, inadequately sized, or reliant on fluctuating or contaminated water sources. Consequently, rural populations often resort to unprotected sources for their daily water needs, such as streams, springs, and ponds. This lack of access poses ongoing challenges, particularly for women and children, who typically bear the responsibility of water collection for their households.
These difficulties have a direct impact on the health of communities: the World Bank estimates that unsafe water consumption and poor sanitation result in approximately 3 million illnesses and 6,000 preventable deaths annually in Laos. Furthermore, the persistence of waterborne diseases hampers children’s educational opportunities and constrains adults’ capacity to engage in income-generating activities. Thus, ensuring access to clean water is key for enhancing community health and ultimately alleviating poverty.
Access to clean water is a fundamental human necessity and a core priority of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. In Lao PDR, despite significant improvements over the last 10 years, access to water remains a challenge for rural communities. While 85% of urban populations have access to an improved water source (protected from external contamination, particularly fecal matter), only 69% of rural populations do.
Multiple factors contribute to this disparity: many rural villages remain remote, impossible to connect to urban water networks. Where rural networks exist, they are often obsolete, outdated, inadequately sized, or reliant on fluctuating or contaminated water sources. Consequently, rural populations often resort to unprotected sources for their daily water needs, such as streams, springs, and ponds. This lack of access poses ongoing challenges, particularly for women and children, who typically bear the responsibility of water collection for their households.
These difficulties have a direct impact on the health of communities: the World Bank estimates that unsafe water consumption and poor sanitation result in approximately 3 million illnesses and 6,000 preventable deaths annually in Laos. Furthermore, the persistence of waterborne diseases hampers children’s educational opportunities and constrains adults’ capacity to engage in income-generating activities. Thus, ensuring access to clean water is key for enhancing community health and ultimately alleviating poverty.
Confluence's action: creating water systems in partnership with villages
Confluence's action: creating water systems in partnership with villages
Confluence builds and rehabilitates gravity-fed water systems in rural villages, taking advantage of the mountainous landscape of Luang Prabang Province and the availability of springs and resurgences. In collaboration with local communities and authorities, the association designs efficient gravity-fed water conveyance systems tailored to the specific needs of each village. These systems, known as Gravity Fed Water Systems (GFS), offer effective and manageable solutions that are well-suited to the local environment.
Interactive Diagram: Explore the primary components of a GFS by hovering over the chart elements for insightful details.
Confluence builds and rehabilitates gravity-fed water systems in rural villages, taking advantage of the mountainous landscape of Luang Prabang Province and the availability of springs and resurgences. In collaboration with local communities and authorities, the association designs efficient gravity-fed water conveyance systems tailored to the specific needs of each village. These systems, known as Gravity Fed Water Systems (GFS), offer effective and manageable solutions that are well-suited to the local environment.
Interactive Diagram: Explore the primary components of a GFS by hovering over the chart elements for insightful details.
The head tank plays a critical role in retaining sediment and impurities while supplying the main water pipeline to the village.
- The water source supplies the network continuously. The source can be either a small stream of a few dozen centimeters wide or an underground water table (resurgence). However, the latter are rare and often have insufficient flow.
- The catchment is designed to capture necessary water, filter out larger impurities, and direct it to a head tank.
- The head tank plays a critical role in retaining sediment and impurities while supplying the main water pipeline to the village.
- Pressure break tanks are essential in areas with significant elevation differences, as they alleviate excessive pressure in the pipes, ensuring they remain within safe limits.
- Because the water source’s hourly flow is insufficient to meet peak village demand, a village water reservoir is installed. This reservoir stores water during low-demand periods (e.g., nighttime) for use during the day, with average water needs estimated at 60 liters per day per person.
- The main supply pipe, constructed from polyethylene pipes, conveys water from the catchment to the reservoir, while the distribution network transports water from the reservoir to access points throughout the community.
- Any watercourse or ditch crossings
- Water access points. Two types of water access systems are tailored to community needs and payment capabilities:
- Community Standpipes: Equipped with taps and situated on concrete slabs, these serve approximately 8 to 10 families.
- Private House Connections: Each house has a water meter, and households pay fees based on consumption.
Networks are built directly by the local communities. Confluence provides construction material and technical support, taking care of the design of the network, and providing a skilled head worker throughout the construction.
The local communities take part in the construction by mobilizing around ten workers daily. They also provide some locally available materials such as wood, sand, and gravel.
- The water source supplies the network continuously. The source can be either a small stream of a few dozen centimeters wide or an underground water table (resurgence). However, the latter are rare and often have insufficient flow.
- The catchment is designed to capture necessary water, filter out larger impurities, and direct it to a head tank.
- The head tank plays a critical role in retaining sediment and impurities while supplying the main water pipeline to the village.
- Pressure break tanks are essential in areas with significant elevation differences, as they alleviate excessive pressure in the pipes, ensuring they remain within safe limits.
- Because the water source’s hourly flow is insufficient to meet peak village demand, a village water reservoir is installed. This reservoir stores water during low-demand periods (e.g., nighttime) for use during the day, with average water needs estimated at 60 liters per day per person.
- The main supply pipe, constructed from polyethylene pipes, conveys water from the catchment to the reservoir, while the distribution network transports water from the reservoir to access points throughout the community.
- Any watercourse or ditch crossings
- Water access points. Two types of water access systems are tailored to community needs and payment capabilities:
- Community Standpipes: Equipped with taps and situated on concrete slabs, these serve approximately 8 to 10 families.
- Private House Connections: Each house has a water meter, and households pay fees based on consumption.
Networks are built directly by the local communities. Confluence provides construction material and technical support, taking care of the design of the network, and providing a skilled head worker throughout the construction.
The local communities take part in the construction by mobilizing around ten workers daily. They also provide some locally available materials such as wood, sand, and gravel.
Managing and maintaining water networks
Managing and maintaining water networks
Water networks are managed by the communities themselves. Each village elects a water management committee, defines the rules for water usage, and sets a water tariff.
The water management committee is responsible for overseeing the network, collecting contributions and ensuring that usage rules are respected. This community-driven management approach fosters ownership and minimizes operation and maintenance costs.
Village technicians, trained by Confluence and supported by local district health technicians, handle routine maintenance. A maintenance fund, supported by contributions from user households, finances repairs and provides allowances for village technicians.
Gravity-fed networks are easy to maintain, provided they are monitored regularly. Maintenance is thus preventive, involving regular cleaning and inspection of the installations. The most regular maintenance operations (repairing a leak, changing a tap, replacing a water meter) can easily be conducted by village technicians.
Water networks are managed by the communities themselves. Each village elects a water management committee, defines the rules for water usage, and sets a water tariff.
The water management committee is responsible for overseeing the network, collecting contributions and ensuring that usage rules are respected. This community-driven management approach fosters ownership and minimizes operation and maintenance costs.
Village technicians, trained by Confluence and supported by local district health technicians, handle routine maintenance. A maintenance fund, supported by contributions from user households, finances repairs and provides allowances for village technicians.
Gravity-fed networks are easy to maintain, provided they are monitored regularly. Maintenance is thus preventive, involving regular cleaning and inspection of the installations. The most regular maintenance operations (repairing a leak, changing a tap, replacing a water meter) can easily be conducted by village technicians.
Water-related challenges
Water-related challenges
The availability of water resources remains a major challenge for these local solutions. Under pressure from village uses, springs, and catchment areas can dry up over the years. Therefore, protecting water resources is fundamental to the sustainability of these networks.
Although water collected is clean and catchment areas are protected from animals and livestock, it may not fully conform to WHO potability standards. Thus, making water safe to drink is an additional and crucial challenge in the fight against water-borne diseases. While communities, out of safety, habit, and taste, boil water before drinking it, Confluence is testing and offering communities simple, accessible water filtration and purification systems.
The availability of water resources remains a major challenge for these local solutions. Under pressure from village uses, springs, and catchment areas can dry up over the years. Therefore, protecting water resources is fundamental to the sustainability of these networks.
Although water collected is clean and catchment areas are protected from animals and livestock, it may not fully conform to WHO potability standards. Thus, making water safe to drink is an additional and crucial challenge in the fight against water-borne diseases. While communities, out of safety, habit, and taste, boil water before drinking it, Confluence is testing and offering communities simple, accessible water filtration and purification systems.
Access to toilets, a development issue
Access to toilets, a development issue
In Lao PDR, only 64.9% of the rural population has access to improved sanitation facilities, i.e., an infrastructure that allows fecal matter to be separated from all human contact (LSIS II, 2017). The remainder of the population practise open defecation, which is a source of contamination and discomfort for them and those living nearby. Even though a significant proportion of the population depends on unprotected sources for access to water, the persistence of this practice poses an immediate community health risk.
Eradicating open defecation has become a priority for the Lao Government, which promotes the widespread use of latrines. However, this priority is coming up against two difficulties: the limited supply of latrines, which is inadequate to the needs and capacities of rural communities, and a lack of interest from communities.
In Lao PDR, only 64.9% of the rural population has access to improved sanitation facilities, i.e., an infrastructure that allows fecal matter to be separated from all human contact (LSIS II, 2017). The remainder of the population practise open defecation, which is a source of contamination and discomfort for them and those living nearby. Even though a significant proportion of the population depends on unprotected sources for access to water, the persistence of this practice poses an immediate community health risk.
Eradicating open defecation has become a priority for the Lao Government, which promotes the widespread use of latrines. However, this priority is coming up against two difficulties: the limited supply of latrines, which is inadequate to the needs and capacities of rural communities, and a lack of interest from communities.
Lack of interest and lack of awareness of health risks
Lack of interest and lack of awareness of health risks
The availability of latrines in rural areas remains sparse and unequal. While the construction of homemade latrines can pose safety issues for users (slab subsidence) or soil contamination, few contractors are willing to work in remote areas at an affordable price.
Furthermore, many households are unwilling to invest in latrines. While cost is a key factor, it appears that the communities’ lack of interest and their lack of awareness of the risks associated with open defecation are the main barriers to its eradication. Where direct donation of latrines has been tested, it has proven unsuccessful over time. Indeed, if the demand for latrines does not come directly from the users, they may not give up the practice of open defecation. As much as the accessibility of latrines, changing behaviors is essential.
The availability of latrines in rural areas remains sparse and unequal. While the construction of homemade latrines can pose safety issues for users (slab subsidence) or soil contamination, few contractors are willing to work in remote areas at an affordable price.
Furthermore, many households are unwilling to invest in latrines. While cost is a key factor, it appears that the communities’ lack of interest and their lack of awareness of the risks associated with open defecation are the main barriers to its eradication. Where direct donation of latrines has been tested, it has proven unsuccessful over time. Indeed, if the demand for latrines does not come directly from the users, they may not give up the practice of open defecation. As much as the accessibility of latrines, changing behaviors is essential.
Confluence's action: raising hygiene awareness and promoting sanitation
Confluence's action: raising hygiene awareness and promoting sanitation
Confluence employs a dual approach to both stimulate demand for latrines and strengthen the supply chain.
Confluence employs a dual approach to both stimulate demand for latrines and strengthen the supply chain.
Increasing demand by changing behaviors
Increasing demand by changing behaviors
To stimulate demand for latrines, Confluence uses the “Community-Led Total Sanitation” (CLTS) technique. Beyond a simple awareness-raising technique, CLTS aims to raise awareness by engaging discussion with communities about their own practices. Through edutainment activities, without any taboos, this technique empowers community members to drive change.
To stimulate demand for latrines, Confluence uses the “Community-Led Total Sanitation” (CLTS) technique. Beyond a simple awareness-raising technique, CLTS aims to raise awareness by engaging discussion with communities about their own practices. Through edutainment activities, without any taboos, this technique empowers community members to drive change.
Professionalizing and expanding latrine supply
Professionalizing and expanding latrine supply
In parallel, Confluence collaborates with private operators to develop an attractive, cost-effective, safe, and sustainable latrine supply, using a market-based approach to sanitation (sanimarketing). Private operators are responsible for latrine sales. Confluence supports each operator in various areas: marketing tools, business plan preparation, catalog development, and public relations with local authorities. Advertising methods and tools (billboards, promotional offers, bundling) are used to stimulate household demand.
The proposed latrines must be durable, comfortable, easy to maintain, and safe for community hygiene. Four models of latrines with ceramic seal are offered to villagers, for prices ranging from €60 to €100.
In parallel, Confluence collaborates with private operators to develop an attractive, cost-effective, safe, and sustainable latrine supply, using a market-based approach to sanitation (sanimarketing). Private operators are responsible for latrine sales. Confluence supports each operator in various areas: marketing tools, business plan preparation, catalog development, and public relations with local authorities. Advertising methods and tools (billboards, promotional offers, bundling) are used to stimulate household demand.
The proposed latrines must be durable, comfortable, easy to maintain, and safe for community hygiene. Four models of latrines with ceramic seal are offered to villagers, for prices ranging from €60 to €100.
Toilets: an economic and cultural challenge
Toilets: an economic and cultural challenge
The sanimarketing success relies on the balance of four factors:
- Price: The price of latrines directly influences household demand and the operator’s profitability.
- Quality: The latrines offered must be safe, durable, and comfortable to maintain household trust. For this reason, latrine designs are developed with operators and standardized. The latrine design is intended to be cost effective and based on local and affordable materials.
- Quantity: Economies of scale ensure profitability for operators. The CLTS technique allows each village to be involved as a whole and fosters group dynamics. The use of hidden subsidies in the form of short-term promotions also makes it possible to mobilize communities at a given moment and create a dynamic of scale for the operator.
- Accessibility: To eradicate open defecation and its harmful effects on health, all households, including poorer families, must have access without stigma attached. Innovative mechanisms, such as hidden subsidies or aid for the poorest households, allow for the involvement of all community members.
The sanimarketing success relies on the balance of four factors:
- Price: The price of latrines directly influences household demand and the operator’s profitability.
- Quality: The latrines offered must be safe, durable, and comfortable to maintain household trust. For this reason, latrine designs are developed with operators and standardized. The latrine design is intended to be cost effective and based on local and affordable materials.
- Quantity: Economies of scale ensure profitability for operators. The CLTS technique allows each village to be involved as a whole and fosters group dynamics. The use of hidden subsidies in the form of short-term promotions also makes it possible to mobilize communities at a given moment and create a dynamic of scale for the operator.
- Accessibility: To eradicate open defecation and its harmful effects on health, all households, including poorer families, must have access without stigma attached. Innovative mechanisms, such as hidden subsidies or aid for the poorest households, allow for the involvement of all community members.
For the sustainable development of latrines in villages, the operator needs to take into account these various parameters. The private operators identified by Confluence have diversified activities. The construction of individual toilets complements their business offer, which is already economically viable. This way, operators do not take any financial risk and are not fully dependent on household demand for toilets.
For the sustainable development of latrines in villages, the operator needs to take into account these various parameters. The private operators identified by Confluence have diversified activities. The construction of individual toilets complements their business offer, which is already economically viable. This way, operators do not take any financial risk and are not fully dependent on household demand for toilets.
Hygiene, a crucial element in building healthy communities
Hygiene, a crucial element in building healthy communities
In rural Laos, the consumption of untreated water, alongside poor hygiene and sanitation practices, significantly contributes to infections and diseases, particularly among young children. The immediate health risks posed by these conditions are critical; they also impede children’s physical and cognitive development. Therefore, implementing basic hygiene practices early on—such as drinking safe water, using toilets to separate fecal matter, and regularly washing hands—is essential in mitigating disease risk.
Hygiene education in schools plays a vital role not only by protecting children’s health but also by empowering them to become drivers for change within their families.
In rural Laos, the consumption of untreated water, alongside poor hygiene and sanitation practices, significantly contributes to infections and diseases, particularly among young children. The immediate health risks posed by these conditions are critical; they also impede children’s physical and cognitive development. Therefore, implementing basic hygiene practices early on—such as drinking safe water, using toilets to separate fecal matter, and regularly washing hands—is essential in mitigating disease risk.
Hygiene education in schools plays a vital role not only by protecting children’s health but also by empowering them to become drivers for change within their families.
Confluence's action
Confluence's action
Basic personal hygiene training
Basic personal hygiene training
Recognizing the importance of hygiene education, Confluence addresses the challenges faced by schools in Laos, where limited resources, inadequate teacher training, and a lack of dedicated tools hinder effective implementation.
Confluence collaborates with primary school teachers in village schools to introduce a comprehensive hygiene awareness program tailored for young children. This engaging initiative employs playful learning techniques and visual aids to impart straightforward messages on personal hygiene, preventive measures against fecal contamination, and the significance of clean water sources.
By instilling these practices early on, children not only enhance their own health but also become ambassadors of change, encouraging healthier habits among their families.
To ensure the sustainability and expansion of hygiene education in schools, Confluence partners with district Education offices to integrate these concepts into school curricula. Teacher training in hygiene education methods is provided, and all resources are made available to district authorities to facilitate broader implementation. This integration follows a structured calendar, aligning hygiene education with significant events (e.g., World Toilet Day) to bolster its relevance within the community.
Recognizing the importance of hygiene education, Confluence addresses the challenges faced by schools in Laos, where limited resources, inadequate teacher training, and a lack of dedicated tools hinder effective implementation.
Confluence collaborates with primary school teachers in village schools to introduce a comprehensive hygiene awareness program tailored for young children. This engaging initiative employs playful learning techniques and visual aids to impart straightforward messages on personal hygiene, preventive measures against fecal contamination, and the significance of clean water sources.
By instilling these practices early on, children not only enhance their own health but also become ambassadors of change, encouraging healthier habits among their families.
To ensure the sustainability and expansion of hygiene education in schools, Confluence partners with district Education offices to integrate these concepts into school curricula. Teacher training in hygiene education methods is provided, and all resources are made available to district authorities to facilitate broader implementation. This integration follows a structured calendar, aligning hygiene education with significant events (e.g., World Toilet Day) to bolster its relevance within the community.
Support hygiene practices at school
Support hygiene practices at school
Hygiene education alone is insufficient if students lack the means to practice what they learn. The absence of adequate water supply and sanitary facilities remains a barrier to cultivating good hygiene habits.
To address these challenges, Confluence supports schools through two key initiatives:
Construction of Toilet Blocks: Where needed, Confluence builds toilet blocks in schools, ensuring separate facilities for boys and girls, along with handwashing stations to promote hygiene practices.
Provision of Soap: Many schools struggle to purchase soap, leaving students without the means to wash their hands after play or using the toilets. Hence, Confluence has co-initiated a program to collect used soap from hotels and guesthouses in Luang Prabang. The collected soap, often barely used by tourists, is cleaned, disinfected, and repurposed into new bars before being distributed to schools. This initiative is conducted in partnership with the Lao Red Cross and the Swiss Red Cross, ensuring that students have access to essential hygiene resources.
Hygiene education alone is insufficient if students lack the means to practice what they learn. The absence of adequate water supply and sanitary facilities remains a barrier to cultivating good hygiene habits.
To address these challenges, Confluence supports schools through two key initiatives:
Construction of Toilet Blocks: Where needed, Confluence builds toilet blocks in schools, ensuring separate facilities for boys and girls, along with handwashing stations to promote hygiene practices.
Provision of Soap: Many schools struggle to purchase soap, leaving students without the means to wash their hands after play or using the toilets. Hence, Confluence has co-initiated a program to collect used soap from hotels and guesthouses in Luang Prabang. The collected soap, often barely used by tourists, is cleaned, disinfected, and repurposed into new bars before being distributed to schools. This initiative is conducted in partnership with the Lao Red Cross and the Swiss Red Cross, ensuring that students have access to essential hygiene resources.
Confluence’s Board
Confluence’s Board
ANNE-GAËLLE VERDIER
PRESIDENT - FOUNDING MEMBER
Environmental issues and natural resource management Specialist
PIERRE GUEDANT
TREASURER - FOUNDING MEMBER
Environmental, social, and governance Expert, engaged in water management in Laos
KARINE AMARINE
VICE PRESIDENT - FOUNDING MEMBER
Educational Coordinator, former head of the French Institute in Luang Prabang
DIDIER BOISSAVI
SECRETARY - FOUNDING MEMBER
Water and sanitation humanitarian Expert
Luang Prabang’s team
Confluence association is run by a Board of Volunteer administrators and has a permanent team of six people based in Luang Prabang. The team is structured into two branches: a technical branch and an administrative branch. The team is supervised by a French project manager, also responsible for the management of the association.
THIBAUT CELERIER
PROJECT MANAGER, REPRESENTATIVE OF CONFLUENCE IN LAOS
BOUASONE PHONEPASERTH
ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MANAGER
LOI NABOUNPHENG
WATER TECHNICIAN
DALING PHOMPHICHIT
WATER TECHNICIAN
CHANSOUDA PANFONGPHET
ADMINISTRATIVE AN FINANCIAL ASSISTANT
