Local recruitment: Water Resources Management Expert (Sri Lanka nationals)

Expertise: water resources management
Expertise Group: Engineering

Consultant Source: National
TOR Keywords:

Objective and Purpose of the Assignment

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been supporting Sri Lanka in addressing challenges related to Non-
Revenue Water (NRW) in various water supply systems across the country. Galle, located in the Southern
Province of Sri Lanka, faces significant issues related to water loss, impacting the overall efficiency
of the water supply system. This project aims to conduct a scoping study to assess the current NRW
situation in Galle and recommend practical solutions to reduce water losses, improve operational
efficiency, and enhance service delivery. The study will focus on identifying key areas where
interventions are needed, performing diagnostic analyses, and formulating a comprehensive NRW reduction
strategy for the Galle Water Supply System.

To assist with this critical study, an Individual Technical Consultant is required to provide technical
expertise, analyze the current situation, and develop recommendations for effective NRW reduction
strategies.

Scope of Work

The primary objective of the consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive scoping study for NRW reduction
in the Galle water supply system. This will include identifying key areas of concern, analyzing the root
causes of water losses, assessing the current system’s performance, and formulating a detailed action
plan for NRW reduction. The consultant will work closely with the project team, local stakeholders, and
the ADB team to ensure that the findings and recommendations are actionable and feasible for
implementation.

The consultant will report to the Team Leader of the ADB Project Team and work closely with the local
water utility in Galle. Regular progress updates will be provided through email or virtual meetings, and
the consultant will be required to submit reports as outlined in the deliverables section.

Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output

1. Assessment of Current NRW Situation:

• Conduct a detailed assessment of the existing water supply system in Galle, including the distribution
  network, water meters, pressure zones, and other relevant infrastructure.
• Collect and review historical data on NRW, including water balance data, leakage rates, metering
  efficiency, and unaccounted-for water.
• Conduct field visits to observe system conditions, including network leaks, illegal connections, and
  other factors contributing to NRW.
• Evaluate the current water metering system and its accuracy in terms of data collection, billing, and
  reporting.

1. Root Cause Analysis:

• Identify and analyze the key factors contributing to NRW in Galle, such as physical losses (e.g.,
  leakage, burst pipes), commercial losses (e.g., unbilled consumption, illegal connections), and
  operational inefficiencies (e.g., inadequate maintenance, insufficient pressure management).
• Conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including utility staff, local authorities, and the
  community, to gain insights into the underlying causes of NRW.

1. Data Collection and Analysis:

• Coordinate with the local water utility to collect relevant data for analysis, including flow
  measurements, pressure data, and customer data.
• Conduct hydraulic modeling to simulate and evaluate the performance of the distribution system under
  various scenarios.
• Analyze water loss patterns and trends over time to identify areas with the highest losses.

1. Identification of Potential Interventions:

• Based on the findings, propose feasible interventions to reduce NRW in Galle, such as leak detection,
  pressure management, water metering improvements, and reducing illegal connections.
• Prioritize interventions based on cost-effectiveness, technical feasibility, and potential impact on
  reducing NRW.
• Provide recommendations for operational improvements and capacity building for the local utility.
• Develop a detailed action plan for NRW reduction in Galle, including short-term and long-term
  strategies, timelines, and required resources.
• Include recommendations for institutional strengthening, training, and monitoring mechanisms for the
  implementation of the action plan.

1. Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare a comprehensive report outlining the findings of the scoping study, including a detailed
  analysis of the NRW situation, root causes, proposed interventions, and the recommended action plan.
• Provide presentations and workshops to share findings with local stakeholders, including the water
  utility and relevant authorities.
• Ensure that the final report is in line with ADB’s reporting standards and recommendations for future
  NRW reduction interventions.

Deliverables:

1. Inception Report:

• Overview of the approach, methodology, and timeline for the study.
• Initial observations and preliminary data analysis.

1. Draft Scoping Study Report:

• Detailed findings from the assessment, root cause analysis, and proposed interventions.
• Draft action plan for NRW reduction.

1. Final Scoping Study Report:

• Revised version of the draft report incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
• Final action plan for NRW reduction.

1. Presentations and Workshops:

• Presentations to local stakeholders and the ADB team to discuss findings, recommendations, and the
  action plan.
• A summary of key discussion points and feedback received.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education: A degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Management, or a
related field.
Experience:

• At least 8 years of professional experience in the water supply and distribution sector, with a focus
  on NRW reduction and water loss management.
• Proven experience in conducting NRW assessments, water loss management studies, and developing action
  plans for water utilities.
• Strong knowledge of water supply systems, hydraulic modeling, leak detection technologies, and water
  metering systems.
• Previous experience working with international organizations such as the ADB or similar development
  agencies is preferred.
  Skills:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with local stakeholders, utility staff, and
  international teams.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools for data analysis and hydraulic modeling.

Minimum General Experience: 10 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 8 Years