Developing Water Resources in Rural Jamaica: A Case Study in Southern Trelawny

1. Developing Water Resources in Rural Jamaica: A Case Study in Southern Trelawny Paul F. Hudak and Sarah McCall Department of Geography University of North Texas

2. Background • Jamaica has abundant freshwater, but incomplete infrastructure for piped water • Nearly 30% of the island’s 2.7 million people lack piped water • Many rural Jamaicans obtain water from rooftop catchments, or by filling containers at public standpipes or springs • Potentially, piped water would be more convenient and reliable, both in quantity and quality

3. Objective • Investigate water sources and delivery systems, public perceptions, potential for piped water in rural southern Trelawny, Jamaica

4. Study Area

5. Study Area (cont.) • Exemplifies water problems faced by rural Jamaicans • Predominantly farming • Lacks improved roads, sewage treatment, piped water systems, adequate provisions for water quality (chlorination, filtering) • Fragmented network of community water systems: Residents fill water at springs, tanks filled by water trucks, rooftop catchments • Steep karst terrain: Complex fissures and caves absorb and transmit abundant rainfall, discharges to springs

16. Methods • Surveyed adults from 77 households in Thompson Town • STEA (planning agency) • Approximately 423 people (77% of town’s population) live in surveyed households • Studied outcomes of earlier water project for Spring Garden

17. Results • Thompson Town • 58% from rooftop catchments (alternate sources in dry season) • 35% from springs • 7% from springs, rooftop catchments, public storage tanks equipped with standpipes

18. Results (cont.) • 34% untreated; 66% chlorination or boiling, inconsistent • 87% desire piped, treated water • 33% had plumbing, faucets • Given piped water: • 65% prefer water meter • 21% prefer flat monthly rate • Others no opinion/response • On average, willing to pay $37 US for connection, $20 US per month for service

19. Results (cont.) • Preferred provider: • 53% private (better infrastructure, service) • 34% government (lower cost) • 13% no opinion/response • Economic development, given piped water: • 48% none • 20% grow more crops (e.g., carrots, peppers) • 10% raise chickens • 6% sell ice, juice • 8% other • 3% non-specific (but more productive) • 5% no response

20. Results (cont.) • Spring Garden • 122 houses, 700 people • Project sponsored by STEA, local parish council, community • Before 1999, water sources similar to Thomson Town • Public forums, 1997-1999 • Existing sources inconvenient, unreliable, poorly maintained • Desired piped water

21. Results (cont.) • Upgrades: • Increased storage capacity, installed filters, chlorinators at two local springs • 4,900 m of PVC pipe along main road • Cost approximately $84K US

23. Results (cont.) • Applied to JSIF (public funding agency) for social infrastructure improvement grant • Distributes grant money from World Bank, others • JSIF 90%, sponsors 10% • Parish council, community to maintain system

24. Results (cont.) • Outcomes: • Completed in 1999 • Infrastructure still in place, functioning in 2005 • Residents paid $50 US for hookup, $5 US/month for service • Widespread dissatisfaction: Inconsistent quantity, quality (water not running, muddy)

25. Implications for Future • Potential problems with water systems serviced by local governments, communities • Government supports privatization of water, other services (e.g., electric) • Gain technical expertise, new technology • Reduce public investment • Difficult prospect in rural areas • Lack population, financial resources • Long recovery periods

26. Implications (cont.) • Government role in privatization • Constrain service areas, provide incentives to promote broader access • Strong regulation, including operating, quality standards • Fair pricing structures (to both consumer provider): NWC not recovering sufficient tariffs (subsidized rate structure)

27. Implications (cont.) • Water sources, delivery • Local springs • Gravity-driven distribution

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