Aguas de Cartagena: The Privatization of Water in Cartagena, Colombia

Case Solution

Christa C. Erml, Henry Lee
Harvard Kennedy School ()

In 1992, Mayor Gabriel García Romero faced a situation all too familiar in developing countries with an inadequate and undercapitalized water system. Only 28 percent of Cartagena’s homes had reliable drinking water. Thirty percent were not connected to the system and the remaining 42 percent had access, but their services were frequently interrupted. Less than half the population had sewage systems and there was no wastewater treatment, a problem with serious consequences for public health. The water system has not been properly maintained for over a decade and losses have been estimated at 52 percent of the total supply. Only a percentage of clients received invoices and many of them were never confiscated. Prices were kept below costs, so even if the bills had been collected, the revenue would not have covered the expenses. Case number HKS 1482.0

We don‘t have the case solution, but we pay up to $50 for yours!

  • Set a reminder to receive an email after your university‘s case study deadline.
  • Upload your case study solution. We will review it for quality.
  • Get your money via PayPal or to your bank account.