PROJECTS
Jamaica Water Policy and Rural Water Strategy
The problem
Thirty percent of Jamaicans lacked piped water services, 13 percent of people in rural areas were still collecting water from rivers and streams, and piped sewer systems reached only 22 percent of the population. Water resources were threatened by unsustainable agriculture practices, and coral reefs threatened by pollution and climate change.
How we helped
Castalia helped Jamaica to draft a new national water policy and a strategy to provide safe water for all rural Jamaicans. The water policy enshrined Integrated Water Resource Management, the polluter pays principle, and full cost recovery for utility services It allowed private firms and community organizations to supply water and wastewater services, allowing competition, and reducing reliance on the dominant National Water Commission (NWC). Licensing and tariff rules were introduced to stop private firms from cherry-picking profitable customers and ignoring others.
Using geospatial analysis, we identified the areas where extending the NWC network into rural areas was optimal. For the remainder of the country we developed decentralized solutions such as rainwater-harvesting. We designed financial mechanisms, including targeted loans and grants for rural households to adopt these solutions.
Impact
The Policy has contributed to Jamaica’s vibrant water market and competitive landscape for water service provision. There are private providers who supply to resort areas, which limits bureaucracy, capital and water shortages. It is guiding reforms to improve financing, efficiency and service at the national water utility. Funding is being arranged to implement the decentralized solutions identified in the Rural Water Supply Development Strategy.
The client
Our team
Find out more
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.
