PROJECTS
Tariff Study and Business Plan for National Water Commission, Jamaica
The problem
More than a quarter of Jamaicans did not have piped water supply. Sewage collection and treatment systems needed upgrading to protect public health and Jamaica’s beautiful beaches and reefs. The National Water Commission needed US$8 billion in capital investments to expand and improve service, but revenues could not cover reasonable costs and finance investments. With a debt to GDP ratio of over 140 percent, the Government could not fund these investments either.
How we helped
Castalia prepared a submission to the regulator making the case for a tariff increase that would allow the utility to cover its costs, while ensuring affordable service for low income households, and sending efficient price signals to encourage water conservation. To do this, we forecast demand for water and sewerage services across the island, prepared a capital expenditure plan, and benchmarked the utility’s performance against comparable utilities to identify potential efficiency gains. Castalia built a financial model that showed the revenue requirement for cost recovery. We also prepared a strategic business plan that proposed a new organizational structure, several improvements in operational processes, and recommended a performance management system.
Impact
Our tariff recommendations were submitted to the regulator, which approved a tariff increase of 19 percent for water services and eight percent for sewerage services, that enabled the utility to sustain operations and remain financially viable.
Some recommendations on performance-based management were adopted. Annual performance appraisals are conducted for all staff based on agreed performance targets and senior executives are hired on performance contracts.
The client
Our team
How can we help you?
How can we help you?
WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
Sinclair House, 3 Glenside Crescent
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (0)1 85 64 10 22
3B Rue Taylor
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-121
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.

WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
74D France Street, Newton South
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (1) 73 44 26 97
6 Rue Duret
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-127
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.
