A programme for Promoting Rainwater Harvesting in the Caribbean

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Caribbean Rainwater Harvesting Programmepersons interviewed stated that they would invest in RWH infrastructure if some level offinancial support was provided.The programme therefore calls for an incentives regime to be developed that is tied intopackages of concessions that may be available to investment in water conservation devicesand related products. The regime may have to be operationalized via sector-specific incentiveregimes that may exist in support of tourism, agriculture and manufacturing/processinginvestments. Popularly applied instruments in other development facets that may be utilizedinclude direct rebates, government subsidies, and corporate and personal tax exemptions.Research towards development of the most appropriate incentive package based on countrycircumstance will need to be undertaken.4.3.3.2. Key actions• Review existing legal and policy instruments to propose an effective legal(regulatory) and policy framework for promotion of RWH – A comprehensivereview of existing legislative and policy frameworks in the various countries will need tobe undertaken to determine the extent to which existing legal and regulatoryinstruments meet the requirements for promotion of RWH within a structuredprogramme in the context of IWRM. As is typically the case, many of the instrumentsexist; however, amendments will be required to ensure proper synergistic relationshipsare established to facilitate promotion of RWH. This must be framed against thebackdrop of significant national environmental and water sector policies andcommitments under international conventions, notably the UNFCCC in the context ofadaptation strategies in the water sector.• Design appropriate incentive regime to promote supply augmentation andwater conservation measures – Appropriate suites of incentive measures need tobe developed to encourage water conservation from the individual household level tothe large-scale commercial development level. While concessions may be available todevelopers (tourism, agriculture, manufacturing), these are generally not specificallytargeted in the context of water management and conservation. Should the incentiveregime invariably reside within separate economic sectors, the policy/regulatoryinstruments should be harmonized across sectors both in terms of administration andintended effect. In a harmonized incentive regime, investors should be able to obtainconcessions for supplies and materials that are used specifically to harvest and conservewater (guttering, tanks, pumps); however creative ways may need to be sought toinclude generic (general-purpose materials, e.g. cement, steel) material used in RWHsystem construction.Given the varying water resource availability and socio-economic settings withincountries across the region, a blanket regime may not be applicable to all countries.An approach to designing the incentive regimes may be to group countries accordingto similarities in terms of needs and modes of implementation. This activity will need tobe done in conjunction with ministries of finance which are the focal points for fiscalpolicy.28
Caribbean Rainwater Harvesting Programme• Consultation/workshops with stakeholders – In support of the above activitiesconsultations with all key stakeholders will be necessary.4.3.3.3. Key indicators• Legislation revised/amended and passed by Parliament into law;• Number of consultations / stakeholder workshops held and record of attendance;• Harmonized incentive regime developed and effected.4.3.3.4. Key resultsExisting legal and policy instruments reviewed to develop and effect an effectivelegal (regulatory) and policy framework for promotion of RWH4.3.3.5. Indicative costsExpenditure itemsEstimatedcost US$Legislative and policy reviews 80,000Design incentive regime for RWH 75,000Stakeholder workshops 20,000Total 175,0004.3.4. Component 4: Infrastructural Development4.3.4.1. ObjectivesTo optimize RWH systems to increase the quantity and improve quality of waterThe poll conducted by CEHI in November 2005 on mainland Grenada revealed thatapproximately 20% of respondents practiced RWH and that there is a willingness to invest inRWH, a position that is shared in other Caribbean states that have not have a strong traditionof RWH. Given the rapid expansion in urban development and the hospitality sector inparticular, the demands placed on municipal water supply systems during the dry months insome cases far outstrips supply. Many new households and properties in water-stressed areasare configured for near sole reliance on rainwater during the dry months. Without significantupgrades in water utilities’ infrastructure to meet supply shortfalls it can be expected thatinvestments in RWH for new developments will likely increase.The Programme therefore calls for technical support to homeowners, investors in varioussectors and the public sector (schools, hospitals and other public buildings) to make29
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A programme for Promoting Rainwater Harvesting in the Caribbean

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