Jamaica is a tropical maritime Island in the Caribbean with a surface area of 10,990 km2. The Island is divided into 3 Counties - Surrey, Middlesex, and Cornwall - that is subdivided into 14 parishes which are the local government units.
Country Overview | Year | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2021 | 2,973,462 |
Country Area (km2) | 2021 | 10,990 |
GDP (Billion USD) | 2021 | 13.64 |
GDP per capita (USD) | 2021 | 4,586.7 |
World Bank Income Level | 2022 | Upper middle Income |
World Bank Region | 2022 | Latin America and the Caribbean |
Water and Wastewater Sector Structure
The water and wastewater sector in Jamaica is organized around central organizations for different mandates. The Water Resources Authority oversees the management, protection, and allocation of water resources, while the National Water Commission (NWC) is responsible for supplying water, and providing wastewater collection and treatment. The service provided by the central utility is regulated by the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR).
The service provision landscape is mainly populated by the NWC, a central utility which is a government agency, and other small-scale providers. The NWC is mandated, under the National Water Commission Act, to provide water supply and sanitation services.
Authority | Level | Role |
---|---|---|
National Water Commission | National | Water and Sanitation Service Provider |
Water Resources Authority (WRA) | National | Oversees and Regulates the management, protection, and allocation of superficial and underground water resources |
Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) | National | Regulates the Utility’s function in Jamaica, which includes: Water and Sewerage, Electricity, and Telecommunications. In the water and sewerage sector, it regulates the National Water Commission and other water and sewerage providers. The OUR determines the rates and the service level standards. |
The Central Regulatory Authority's role in the context of Jamaica is represented by the Office of Utility Regulation (OUR). The OUR is an independent regulator composed of 6 members that are appointed and report to the Governor General. The OUR was established under the Office of Utilities Regulation Act of 1995 and is responsible for overseeing utility service providers in the areas of Electricity, Telecommunications, and Water and Sanitation.
The core areas of action and process of the OUR include the definition of standards for service provision, revision and approval of licenses for providers, general procurement process, Revision and adoption of tariffs, and management and resolution of Consumer appeals. The OUR is composed of departments related to, among others, Consume and Public Affairs, Regulation, Policy Monitoring, and Enforcement, and administrative and Legal Issues.
The organizational structure also includes:
Water Resources Authority (WRA): Responsible for the management, protection, and controlled allocation and use of Jamaica’s surface and underground water resources. Oversees Water allocation, Quality assessment, monitoring systems, and Flood monitoring and assessment.
Mission
OUR contributes to national development by effective regulation of utility services that enables consumer access to modern, reliable, affordable, and quality utility services; while ensuring that service providers have the opportunity to make a reasonable return on their investment.
Water and Wastewater Regulations
Legislation and Policies | Year | Description |
---|---|---|
National Water Commission Act | 1980 | Established the National Water Commission and gave defined key roles, responsibilities, and accountability mechanisms. |
The Office of Utility Regulation Act | 1995 (last amendment: 2015) | Established the Office of Utility Regulation's main roles and Responsibilities |
Water Supply Rates and Charges Order | 2008 | Sets the Basic Structure for rates and Tariffs for water services provided by the National Water Commission |
Areas of Regulation
Areas | Central Water Authority (OUR) |
---|---|
Tariff Calculation | Y |
Tariff Approval | Y |
Licensing Water and/or Wastewater Service Providers | Y |
Business plans approvals | N |
Performance indicators monitoring | N |
Economic Data Collection | N |
Technical Data Collection | N |
Utilities
Utility | Date | Tariff |
---|---|---|
National Water Comission (NWC) | May 2022 | Tariff |
A more detailed list of tariffs can be found at IBNET Tariff Database - Jamaica