Frequently Asked Questions
1. General information
Water Saves has operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including state contracts for projects to provide water to disadvantaged populations. In addition, the construction of a bottling plant is planned for 2024, with sale to the population in early 2025. This illustrates the integrated approach of the NGO Eau Sauve and Water Saves, combining humanitarian efforts with initiatives to ensure a lasting impact.
The NGO Eau Sauve has signed a water supply contract for the 21 centers and stations of Inera, the National Institute of Agronomic Study and Research.
The NGO Eau Sauve obtained ownership of the mineral water source from the Ministry of Urban Planning of the DRC.
Water Saves projects aim to have a significant social impact by providing access to drinking water to disadvantaged populations. Here are some aspects of the social and environmental impact of their initiatives:
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Social impact:
●Access to drinking water : Water Saves projects, implemented by the NGO Eau Sauve, contribute to providing drinking water to disadvantaged communities, thus improving the health and well-being of populations.
●Reduction of waterborne diseases : By ensuring a clean water supply, projects contribute to the reduction of water-related diseases, thereby improving the health conditions of communities.
●Local empowerment : By involving local figures in project management, the NGO Eau Sauve promotes the autonomy of communities and strengthens their capacity to take charge of their own water needs.
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Environmental impact :
●Solar energy : The use of solar panels to power submersible pumps reflects a commitment to renewable energy sources, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.
●Wastewater management : The construction of toilets and sanitary facilities contributes to better wastewater management, thereby reducing the environmental impact of human activities.
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2. Projects and social impact
The Water Saves Investment Fund (WSIF) is a Belgian limited company which plays the role of financing holding company in the Water Saves structure. Here's how WSIF works:
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Ownership of subsidiaries: The bottling plants are owned by local subsidiaries, such as Eau Sauve RDC SARL. In Belgium, two holding companies jointly hold ownership of these subsidiaries.
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Water Saves SRL: This is the management holding company based in Belgium. It owns 61.8% of the subsidiaries, which gives it a majority of voting rights for decision-making. She is responsible for establishing and managing the factory network, brand marketing and overall growth.
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Water Saves Investment Fund (WSIF): This Belgian limited company is the financing holding company. It owns 38.2% of the shares of Water Saves SRL, which makes it indirectly the owner of 23.6% of the subsidiaries through Water Saves SRL. WSIF also owns 38.2% of the direct shares of the subsidiaries.
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Revenue sharing: In total, WSIF will receive 61.8% of dividends paid to subsidiary shareholders. This ensures equitable sharing of financial income.
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Equitable governance: Water Saves SRL has 61.8% of the voting rights at the general meeting, but will only receive 38.2% of the financial income. Investors, represented by the WSIF, receive 61.8% of the financial income and have 38.2% of the voting rights at the general meeting. This aims to establish a fair balance between decision-making power and financial returns.
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WSIF management: The management of the WSIF is entrusted to the management of Water Saves SRL, under the direction of the WSIF Board of Directors. A reasonable management fee, calculated at 1% of the invested capital, is paid for management.
In summary, the WSIF acts as a financial vehicle for investors to participate in Water Saves activities while ensuring equitable revenue sharing and a balanced governance model.
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Preferred shares held by WSIF in Eau Sauve en DRC SARL are senior and receive a 12% return until earnings exceed this percentage. This mechanism ensures priority remuneration to WSIF investors, thus strengthening the guarantee of profits during this period.
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61.8% of the profits of Water Saves subsidiaries are paid to the local NGO Eau Sauve so that it can finance water access projects for the poor.
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38.2% of profits are distributed to shareholders.
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3. Investments and returns
Water Saves is a Belgian social enterprise that combines non-governmental organizations with commercial companies and a Belgian investment company in developing countries. Its main objective is to save lives by providing clean drinking water to the world's underprivileged populations.
Water Saves' business model is based on the creation of an Eau Sauve NGO and an Eau Sauve commercial company in developing countries. The companies market mineral water under the Eau Sauve or Water Saves brands. A significant portion of the profits generated by the sale of these products is donated to the NGO Eau Sauve. This NGO works to provide access to drinking water to disadvantaged populations. Thus, the model combines commercial and humanitarian aspects, aiming to reconcile financial profitability and positive social impact.
Around the world, many companies making immense profits are considered responsible for environmental degradation or other societal problems.
Increased efforts towards sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical management are essential to achieve a balance between making profits and preserving the environment and social well-being.
This is why we wish to demonstrate that an SARL, a commercial activity that creates wealth, can prosper while having a positive impact on society and the environment, by allocating a significant part of its profits to an NGO.
Water Saves mainly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to “ensure access to water and sanitation for all and ensure sustainable management of water resources”. By providing clean drinking water to disadvantaged populations through its initiatives, Water Saves contributes to improving the health, quality of life and sanitary conditions of affected communities.
Furthermore, the Water Saves approach can also be aligned with other SDGs, such as the fight against poverty (SDG 1), health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), economic growth (SDG 8), and the promotion of partnerships (SDG 17) to achieve the global goals.