Willingness to pay for improved water services in Trinidad

Abstract

Trinidad and Tobago is not a water-scarce country by accepted definitions, yet it is struggling to meet set objectives of satisfying public demand for potable water. Consequently, in many communities, households have developed some coping mechanisms. Previous willingness to pay (WTP) studies have shown that households were not averse to paying more for improved water supply services. This study used the contingent valuation method to estimate the level of WTP in four different socio-economic communities in Trinidad. It was found that, while households' perceptions of the importance of water services when compared to other utilities is not homogeneous, there was a recognition of the need to pay more for water services. For payments through a fixed method or metered method, most households were prepared to pay substantially more than what they are now required to pay. Consequently, there are opportunities for the water and sewage authority to increase its revenue by implementing targeted programmes.