Expertise: Engineering, Water Supply
Expertise Group: Engineering
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords:
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a rapidly growing population of about 12 million, of which 13% live in urban
areas. By 2030, 17% of the population is expected to reside in PNG’s cities and towns. Unplanned growth
in the capital city of Port Moresby, which accounts for almost a third of PNG’s urban population, and in
provincial town centers puts pressure on utility service providers in meeting increasing demands for
basic urban infrastructure and services. The country’s water supply and sanitation access indicators
rank lowest among the 14 Pacific developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Access
to piped water supply in urban areas decreased from 61% in 2015 to 53% in 2022 since infrastructure
investments did not keep pace with the 4% annual urban population growth rate over the same period.
Safely managed sanitation in urban areas is at 28%. Poor containment and treatment of fecal waste and
domestic wastewater, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, also undermine inclusive growth and
hinder the potential creation of prosperous and livable cities.
The proposed Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Security and Resilience Investment Program will support
Water PNG to finance priority short- to medium-term capital investments and associated capacity building
activities, which is needed to (i) build resilience and adaptive capacity of the water system and
communities to climate change, disasters, and other shocks and stresses; and (ii) improve water supply
and sanitation security in PNG in line with the utility’s corporate plan and the government’s sector
development objectives. The phased implementation and proposed investment under the multitranche
financing facility (MFF) will prioritize, based on resilience needs for water and sanitation security
and resilience building for Port Moresby, the towns of Vanimo, Mendi, and Kerema, which is also aligned
with Water PNG’s corporate and investment plan and the Port Moresby capital works programmed under the
Port Moresby Water and Sanitation Master Plan, 2020–2040 and supporting activities programmed by Water
PNG until 2040.
Scope of Work
To assist in the Programme Management of Tranche 1 projects until the engagement of a Project Management
Consultant and undertake a high-level preliminary engineering design review of the following
infrastructure projects is required:
- New Raw Water Main to Mt Eriama Water Treatment Plant
- Mount Eriama Water Treatment Plant Optimization
- New Mount Eriama Intermediate Treatment Plant
- New Clear Water Reservoirs Servicing Port Moresby
- Distribution Network Extension Servicing Port Moresby
- Waigani Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation
- Vanimo Town Water Supply Scheme
The main task is to programme manage the close out of the feasibility studies of each of the above
projects and then progress design development with the project lead to concept and preliminary design
level
The engineering design review aims to ensure that the concept and preliminary designs are technically
sound before proceeding with tenders for the works. The preliminary engineering design review will:
(i) assess the technical adequacy and appropriateness of the proposed designs;
(ii) identify potential issues, constraints, and risks associated with the designs and propose
mitigation measures; and
(iii) recommend design refinements or alternatives to enhance project outcomes.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
Programme Management
- Develop a high-level delivery programme for each of the projects in Tranche 1
- Agree and document with the design team the deliverables for each stage of design (Concept and
Preliminary, Detailed Engineering Design) - Monitor design progress
- Identify and escalate project red flags and roadblocks to the Project Manager
Document Review
- Review all preliminary design reports, drawings, and specifications
- Examine site investigation reports, topographic surveys, and geotechnical data, as available
- Assess water quality data and treatment process justifications
- Review demand projections and capacity calculations
- Check completeness of design documentation including specifications, bills of quantity, and drawings
Technical Analysis
- Verify design assumptions and criteria
- Validate treatment process selections and configurations
- Evaluate pipeline alignments, materials, and installation methods
- Verify completeness and accuracy of specifications, bills of quantity, and detailed drawings
- Ensure alignment between design documents, specifications, and bills of quantity
Economic Evaluation
- Review capital cost estimates for accuracy and completeness
- Analyze operation and maintenance cost projections
- Assess life-cycle costs and value engineering opportunities
- Identify potential cost optimizations
The review team shall produce the following deliverables:
Monthly Progress Report
- Progress in Design Development (to Concept and Preliminary Design)
- Peer reviews of design deliverables undertaken
- Progress for the next month
- Delays incurred
- Red Flags to be addressed
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The expert will have a degree in civil or environmental engineering or related field, and at least 15
years of experience designing water supply schemes, and leading design reviews for similar water
infrastructure projects. The expert should also have prior experience in the Pacific.
Minimum General Experience: 15 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 15 Years
