Closing
date: 18 Dec 2017
date: 18 Dec 2017
The
overall goal of the consultancy will be to study and evaluate the feasibility
of a model of preventive and curative maintenance for small and medium sized
water systems (handpumps, small water schemes) that will address the
shortcomings of the current model relying on Water User Committees (WUC) and
local mechanics. The study will facilitate Improvement of the sustainability of
water systems in Northern Uganda.Below is the Terms of Reference
overall goal of the consultancy will be to study and evaluate the feasibility
of a model of preventive and curative maintenance for small and medium sized
water systems (handpumps, small water schemes) that will address the
shortcomings of the current model relying on Water User Committees (WUC) and
local mechanics. The study will facilitate Improvement of the sustainability of
water systems in Northern Uganda.Below is the Terms of Reference
Terms
of Reference
of Reference
Definition
of a model of preventive and curative maintenance for small and medium sized
water systems in refuge hosting districts in Northern Uganda
of a model of preventive and curative maintenance for small and medium sized
water systems in refuge hosting districts in Northern Uganda
Approximate
duration of assignment: 2 months
duration of assignment: 2 months
Tentative
contract starting date: 15/01/2018
contract starting date: 15/01/2018
Location
country: Uganda
country: Uganda
Location
city: Kampala, Arua District and Kiryandongo District
city: Kampala, Arua District and Kiryandongo District
The
consultant will be based at Action Against Hunger offices (Kampala and Yumbe)
for the whole duration of the consultancy.
consultant will be based at Action Against Hunger offices (Kampala and Yumbe)
for the whole duration of the consultancy.
1- General Context
Background:
Action
Against Hunger is an international humanitarian organization dedicated to
improving the health and livelihoods of the world’s most vulnerable- especially
women and children. The organization works to save lives of malnourished
children while providing communities with access to safe water and sustainable
solutions to hunger. Action Against Hunger is committed to research,
partnerships, and learning that will allow to continually improve policy and
practice to end under nutrition in all its forms by 2030. We promote
sustainability by integrating our programmes with local and national systems
and further ensure that short-term interventions translate to long-term
solutions. In Uganda, the mission has been in existence for over 32 years
delivering interventions in Nutrition; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and
food security and livelihoods (FSL) in both humanitarian and development
contexts with operations in Karamoja and West Nile regions of Uganda in the
districts of Kiryandongo, Adjumani, Kaabong, Yumbe, Amuru, Gulu and Nwoya.
Against Hunger is an international humanitarian organization dedicated to
improving the health and livelihoods of the world’s most vulnerable- especially
women and children. The organization works to save lives of malnourished
children while providing communities with access to safe water and sustainable
solutions to hunger. Action Against Hunger is committed to research,
partnerships, and learning that will allow to continually improve policy and
practice to end under nutrition in all its forms by 2030. We promote
sustainability by integrating our programmes with local and national systems
and further ensure that short-term interventions translate to long-term
solutions. In Uganda, the mission has been in existence for over 32 years
delivering interventions in Nutrition; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and
food security and livelihoods (FSL) in both humanitarian and development
contexts with operations in Karamoja and West Nile regions of Uganda in the
districts of Kiryandongo, Adjumani, Kaabong, Yumbe, Amuru, Gulu and Nwoya.
Statement
of the Problem
of the Problem
The
Government of Uganda’s progressive policy of welcoming refugees and the
country’s geographic position on the border of two countries experiencing
protracted conflict has led to Uganda hosting the largest population of
refugees in Africa. Uganda currently hosts over 909,723 South Sudanese refugees
and asylum seekers and an average of 450 new individuals in need of immediate
humanitarian support continue to arrive from South Sudan daily (August 2017).
Instability, violence and consequent mass migration into Uganda are expected to
persist in South Sudan over the coming months and the authorities are
allocating land for new settlements or expanding existing settlements in order
to accommodate for the continued influx.
Government of Uganda’s progressive policy of welcoming refugees and the
country’s geographic position on the border of two countries experiencing
protracted conflict has led to Uganda hosting the largest population of
refugees in Africa. Uganda currently hosts over 909,723 South Sudanese refugees
and asylum seekers and an average of 450 new individuals in need of immediate
humanitarian support continue to arrive from South Sudan daily (August 2017).
Instability, violence and consequent mass migration into Uganda are expected to
persist in South Sudan over the coming months and the authorities are
allocating land for new settlements or expanding existing settlements in order
to accommodate for the continued influx.
Experience
on precedent South Sudanese influx, and studies on refugee movement show that
refugees will stay for several years (15 years in average). Refugee response
planning should therefore acknowledge this basic assumption to better
coordinate operational partners, the Ugandan government and a burgeoning
private sector with the goal to build a strong and stable long term response
that incorporates the needs of all people in the sub-region.
on precedent South Sudanese influx, and studies on refugee movement show that
refugees will stay for several years (15 years in average). Refugee response
planning should therefore acknowledge this basic assumption to better
coordinate operational partners, the Ugandan government and a burgeoning
private sector with the goal to build a strong and stable long term response
that incorporates the needs of all people in the sub-region.
Access
to Water: A Key Issue
to Water: A Key Issue
In
this context where, in few months, the population of some districts have more
than doubled due to the refugee influx, access to water and water resources
management constitute a critical element of the refugee response. The different
partners are now working on shifting from water trucking to more permanent
sources of safe water, drilling boreholes and installing hand pumps and
motorized systems in the settlements and hosting sub counties. UNHCR and Office
of the Prime minister (OPM) in close coordination with the Ministry of Water
and environment, should guarantee the maintenance of those systems in the first
years of the installation. However with the current trends of funding that is
already insufficient to address all the needs of the refugees, it is important
to plan now for long term, sustainable and cost effective solutions taking into
account the global context, in close adherence to the Ministry of Water and
Environment guidelines. Those solutions will have to be harmonized between the
host communities and refugees as the settlement model is an open model where
refugees and host population are interacting, sharing sometime the same
boreholes.
this context where, in few months, the population of some districts have more
than doubled due to the refugee influx, access to water and water resources
management constitute a critical element of the refugee response. The different
partners are now working on shifting from water trucking to more permanent
sources of safe water, drilling boreholes and installing hand pumps and
motorized systems in the settlements and hosting sub counties. UNHCR and Office
of the Prime minister (OPM) in close coordination with the Ministry of Water
and environment, should guarantee the maintenance of those systems in the first
years of the installation. However with the current trends of funding that is
already insufficient to address all the needs of the refugees, it is important
to plan now for long term, sustainable and cost effective solutions taking into
account the global context, in close adherence to the Ministry of Water and
Environment guidelines. Those solutions will have to be harmonized between the
host communities and refugees as the settlement model is an open model where
refugees and host population are interacting, sharing sometime the same
boreholes.
Sustainability
of rural water supplies is still a challenge even with the many O&M
initiatives in place. The ministry of water set general guidelines for the
operation and maintenance (O&M) of boreholes clearly articulating the role
of the District, NGOs, private sector and water users. The guidelines should
apply for both host and refugee context. Different systems are in place in the
country with some disparity in the efficiency and effectiveness of those
systems. over the years there has been an increase in the number of functional
rural water sources but the Operation and Maintenance (O&M)
practices of the rural water sources are still not apt and O&M is a
challenge many of them are not fully functional always. For instance few water
sources are unable to meet the standards of providing water for a minimum of
350 days in a year with less than 14 days of breakdown. Broken-down water
source can sometimes take up to three months or more before being repaired. On
average, a water point functions well within the first two years, after which
it starts breaking down. majority of the current rural water points in the host
communities that existed for more than 5 years old are not regularly maintained
and thus at risk of regular breakdowns.
of rural water supplies is still a challenge even with the many O&M
initiatives in place. The ministry of water set general guidelines for the
operation and maintenance (O&M) of boreholes clearly articulating the role
of the District, NGOs, private sector and water users. The guidelines should
apply for both host and refugee context. Different systems are in place in the
country with some disparity in the efficiency and effectiveness of those
systems. over the years there has been an increase in the number of functional
rural water sources but the Operation and Maintenance (O&M)
practices of the rural water sources are still not apt and O&M is a
challenge many of them are not fully functional always. For instance few water
sources are unable to meet the standards of providing water for a minimum of
350 days in a year with less than 14 days of breakdown. Broken-down water
source can sometimes take up to three months or more before being repaired. On
average, a water point functions well within the first two years, after which
it starts breaking down. majority of the current rural water points in the host
communities that existed for more than 5 years old are not regularly maintained
and thus at risk of regular breakdowns.
In
the refugee settlements there is no system in place to guarantee the
sustainability and ownership of the water points. The refugees don’t have to
pay for the water and the operation and maintenance of the water supply systems
is shouldered entirely by the NGOs, UNHCR and OPM support. Considering the
vulnerability of refugees and their low capacity for payment, it is important
to support them to access safe water, in the first year of their arrival.
However acknowledging that the refugee population will stay for at least 10 to
15 years, it is important to set from the beginning the bases of a maintenance
system. This will increase ownership of the water point and prepare the
transition through a harmonized maintenance system in both host community and
refugee.
the refugee settlements there is no system in place to guarantee the
sustainability and ownership of the water points. The refugees don’t have to
pay for the water and the operation and maintenance of the water supply systems
is shouldered entirely by the NGOs, UNHCR and OPM support. Considering the
vulnerability of refugees and their low capacity for payment, it is important
to support them to access safe water, in the first year of their arrival.
However acknowledging that the refugee population will stay for at least 10 to
15 years, it is important to set from the beginning the bases of a maintenance
system. This will increase ownership of the water point and prepare the
transition through a harmonized maintenance system in both host community and
refugee.
UNHCR
and the Ministry of Water and Environment have initiated with partners
discussions around O&M. A task group has been constituted to work
concretely around this issue and propose concrete solutions. Some decisions
have already been taken like the Ministry of Water and Environment creating
umbrella organization to coordinate and oversee the O&M system in refuge
hosting district in West Nile. Those aspects will constitute a good starting
point in the process of defining a good O&M model.
and the Ministry of Water and Environment have initiated with partners
discussions around O&M. A task group has been constituted to work
concretely around this issue and propose concrete solutions. Some decisions
have already been taken like the Ministry of Water and Environment creating
umbrella organization to coordinate and oversee the O&M system in refuge
hosting district in West Nile. Those aspects will constitute a good starting
point in the process of defining a good O&M model.
In
order to support this work and inform the decision making process to build the
detailed architecture of an effective and efficient O&M system, Action
Against Hunger would like to hire a consultant. This consultant will work
closely with the different members of the task force to review the existing
O&M system and propose a pertinent model, involving the private actors, to
increase pump functionality in both refugee and host community.
order to support this work and inform the decision making process to build the
detailed architecture of an effective and efficient O&M system, Action
Against Hunger would like to hire a consultant. This consultant will work
closely with the different members of the task force to review the existing
O&M system and propose a pertinent model, involving the private actors, to
increase pump functionality in both refugee and host community.
2– Objective and
Outcomes of the study**
Outcomes of the study**
Overall
Objective:
Objective:
The
overall goal of the consultancy will be to study and evaluate the feasibility
of a model of preventive and curative maintenance for small and medium sized
water systems (handpumps, small water schemes) that will address the
shortcomings of the current model relying on Water User Committees (WUC) and
local mechanics. The study will facilitate Improvement of the sustainability of
water systems in Northern Uganda.
overall goal of the consultancy will be to study and evaluate the feasibility
of a model of preventive and curative maintenance for small and medium sized
water systems (handpumps, small water schemes) that will address the
shortcomings of the current model relying on Water User Committees (WUC) and
local mechanics. The study will facilitate Improvement of the sustainability of
water systems in Northern Uganda.
Outcomes:
Initial
brainstorming suggest that the involvement of one or several private partners
that would be able to provide maintenance at the scale of a district or a large
area could lead to a business model that could benefit communities, local
administration and the service provider. Instead of Water user committees(WUC)
working with a locally trained mechanic, and purchasing spare parts from nearby
shops, WUC could turn directly to a well identified company that could propose
a full and quick service to repairs and maintain water points at a reasonable
cost. A well-structured model could be used directly by the Umbrella
organisation, the Ugandan WUCs and local water authorities, as well as in bulk
by the humanitarian community that delivers service in refugee settlements. As
refugees don’t pay for water, but discussions occur on a possible transition
towards the same system as for nationals, the initial linkages between refugee
users and the supplier(s) could be progressively transferred under the
responsibility of the communities if they were to settle for an extended period
of time. Cash transfer solution to support refugees in paying water, and
inclusion of cost of water in the Minimum Expenditure Basket are currently
being discussed among partners. The study should help to give solid elements to
adjust the cost of water included in the MEB.
brainstorming suggest that the involvement of one or several private partners
that would be able to provide maintenance at the scale of a district or a large
area could lead to a business model that could benefit communities, local
administration and the service provider. Instead of Water user committees(WUC)
working with a locally trained mechanic, and purchasing spare parts from nearby
shops, WUC could turn directly to a well identified company that could propose
a full and quick service to repairs and maintain water points at a reasonable
cost. A well-structured model could be used directly by the Umbrella
organisation, the Ugandan WUCs and local water authorities, as well as in bulk
by the humanitarian community that delivers service in refugee settlements. As
refugees don’t pay for water, but discussions occur on a possible transition
towards the same system as for nationals, the initial linkages between refugee
users and the supplier(s) could be progressively transferred under the
responsibility of the communities if they were to settle for an extended period
of time. Cash transfer solution to support refugees in paying water, and
inclusion of cost of water in the Minimum Expenditure Basket are currently
being discussed among partners. The study should help to give solid elements to
adjust the cost of water included in the MEB.
The
consultancy will assess the various aspects of this model and will validate its
feasibility and how best to move it forward, or if other models should be
favoured. The following tasks will need to be considered:
consultancy will assess the various aspects of this model and will validate its
feasibility and how best to move it forward, or if other models should be
favoured. The following tasks will need to be considered:
·
Review the existing O&M mechanisms existing in Uganda for rural areas and
refugee settlements; identify gaps, issues and limitations that threaten the
sustainability of water services, map actors and study actors dynamic and
interest in the model on particular with regards to maintenance and repairs.
Review the existing O&M mechanisms existing in Uganda for rural areas and
refugee settlements; identify gaps, issues and limitations that threaten the
sustainability of water services, map actors and study actors dynamic and
interest in the model on particular with regards to maintenance and repairs.
·
Assess the existence, capacity and interest from private sector actor(s) and
social enterprises in being involved in the delivery of maintenance and repairs
at scale.
Assess the existence, capacity and interest from private sector actor(s) and
social enterprises in being involved in the delivery of maintenance and repairs
at scale.
·
Field investigations to study new systems (following initial identification by
Oxfam) being developed and tested in Uganda to create long-term sustainable
O&M
Field investigations to study new systems (following initial identification by
Oxfam) being developed and tested in Uganda to create long-term sustainable
O&M
·
Analysis the new systems of promise for sustainability and suitability for
conditions in the 2 target districts (Kiryandongo and Arua)
Analysis the new systems of promise for sustainability and suitability for
conditions in the 2 target districts (Kiryandongo and Arua)
·
Study the different model of pricing (on demand, monthly fee, hybrid system)
Study the different model of pricing (on demand, monthly fee, hybrid system)
·
Consult with key stakeholders (Ministry of Water and Environment, UNHCR and
other members of the task force, the Umbrella organisation already in place in
the country…) and with private sector to discuss the needs for an evolution of
the current O&M model, as well as ideas and existing or past initiatives
with lessons learnt.
Consult with key stakeholders (Ministry of Water and Environment, UNHCR and
other members of the task force, the Umbrella organisation already in place in
the country…) and with private sector to discuss the needs for an evolution of
the current O&M model, as well as ideas and existing or past initiatives
with lessons learnt.
·
Propose some solutions to introduce subsidies through Cash transfer to most
vulnerable refugees.
Propose some solutions to introduce subsidies through Cash transfer to most
vulnerable refugees.
·
Propose a new model for maintenance of water service delivery that will aim at
overcoming the traditional issues of sustainability of the current system, and
has the potential to adapt to the needs of refugee settlements where NGOs
provide the service, transition into longer term, and for rural host
communities that pay for their O&M.
Propose a new model for maintenance of water service delivery that will aim at
overcoming the traditional issues of sustainability of the current system, and
has the potential to adapt to the needs of refugee settlements where NGOs
provide the service, transition into longer term, and for rural host
communities that pay for their O&M.
·
Costing and implementation plan to achieve sustainability
Costing and implementation plan to achieve sustainability
3-
Deliverables
Deliverables
The
consultant will deliver the following products:
consultant will deliver the following products:
- Delivery
1-
v
Short report on the review of existing O&M in Uganda (10 pages maximum
including information matrix). The consultant will discuss and agree with Action
Against Hunger the matrix design and proposed criteria to look at in order to
have a systemized analysis grid of the different O&M models.
Short report on the review of existing O&M in Uganda (10 pages maximum
including information matrix). The consultant will discuss and agree with Action
Against Hunger the matrix design and proposed criteria to look at in order to
have a systemized analysis grid of the different O&M models.
v
Detailed minutes of interviews and meetings with stakeholders
Detailed minutes of interviews and meetings with stakeholders
- Delivery
2-
v
Report on existing systems in the targeted Districts
Report on existing systems in the targeted Districts
- Delivery
3-
v
Detailed feasibility study and proposal of the model, including:
Detailed feasibility study and proposal of the model, including:
Inputs
from stakeholders,
from stakeholders,
mapping
of the actors,
of the actors,
schematic
representation of the model,
representation of the model,
business
plan and costing of the O&M model
plan and costing of the O&M model
Best
payment option (pay as you consume, monthly fee, hybrid system,
payment option (pay as you consume, monthly fee, hybrid system,
Cash
transfer model for most vulnerable refugees,
transfer model for most vulnerable refugees,
Pre-requirements
and monitoring framework
and monitoring framework
Foreseen
critical points of success or challenges
critical points of success or challenges
Delivery
4-
4-
v
Brief description of the model (including a visual / conceptual representation)
for external audiences, advocacy and fund raising purposes.
Brief description of the model (including a visual / conceptual representation)
for external audiences, advocacy and fund raising purposes.
v
Dissemination Workshop in Kampala
Dissemination Workshop in Kampala
5-
Payment
Payment
The
Service Provider shall be compensated for the services performed and materials
delivered according to the agreed activities provided in the Appendix A. The
payment will be completed in four installments and after approval of the named
deliverable by the Action Against Hunger representative:
Service Provider shall be compensated for the services performed and materials
delivered according to the agreed activities provided in the Appendix A. The
payment will be completed in four installments and after approval of the named
deliverable by the Action Against Hunger representative:
- The
first instalment of 30% shall be done upon signature of contract; - The
second installment 20% shall be done upon submission and validation of the
delivery 1 and 2 - The
third installment of 30% shall be done upon submission and validation of
the delivery 3 - The
fourth installment 20% shall be done upon submission and validation of the
delivery 4.
6
– Submission of offer/proposal
– Submission of offer/proposal
The
consultants interested will submit a technical proposal (max four
pages), the CV or the consultant, a work plan indicating the delivery
date of each product expected, and a detailed budget.
consultants interested will submit a technical proposal (max four
pages), the CV or the consultant, a work plan indicating the delivery
date of each product expected, and a detailed budget.
The
detailed budget should include;
detailed budget should include;
- Consultancy
fee of the researcher and or team: - Travel,
perdiem, accommodation, and communication costs - Other
costs including withholding tax, printing fees and dissemination workshop
Those
three documents have to be sent by e-mail to: Teopista Ochora:hrco@ug-actionagainsthunger.org; copying
‘Sebastien More-Chevalier’ dcdp@ug-actionagainsthunger.org;
and Jackline washco@ug-actionagainsthunger.org
three documents have to be sent by e-mail to: Teopista Ochora:hrco@ug-actionagainsthunger.org; copying
‘Sebastien More-Chevalier’ dcdp@ug-actionagainsthunger.org;
and Jackline washco@ug-actionagainsthunger.org
Deadline
for submission:
18th of December 2017
for submission:
18th of December 2017
