Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
 | A. Background 1. Since the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, Sri Lanka’s economic vulnerability to external shocks, such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and Russia’s war in Ukraine, has highlighted longstanding economic management weaknesses. These factors led to a severe economic crisis that left foreign exchange reserves depleted and prompted the suspension of external debt servicing in April 2022. Facing macroeconomic and debt management challenges, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a 48-month $3 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) in March 2023. The EFF aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, ensure financial stability, safeguard the vulnerable, and accelerate reforms to unlock Sri Lanka’s growth potential. It also recommends reforming state-owned enterprises (SOE) to improve governance, sustainability, and efficiency. 2. The Government of Sri Lanka requested financial assistance from ADB to support its effort to respond to economic policies and reforms underscored and supported by the IMF. The Water Supply and Sanitation Reform Program aims to implement a series of water supply and sanitation sector reforms by addressing vulnerabilities for improved sector performance and environmental sustainability. The program is a policy-based loan (PBL) with a programmatic approach comprising two subprograms of $100 million each. Subprogram 1 was approved in September 2024, while Subprogram 2 is targeted for approval in 2026. The policy support will contribute to resilient and sustainable water and sanitation services delivery in accordance with Strategy 2030 of the ADB. 3. Along with the approval of Subprogram 1, an attached TA was also approved to provide capacity and advisory support to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing (MUDCH) and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) for the formulation, deployment, implementation, and monitoring of the subprogram 2 reform initiatives. It will complement the program through two outputs: (i) capacity of MUDCH to manage, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate reform actions strengthened; and (ii) capacity of NWSDB to manage, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate reform actions strengthened. Backed by the TA team, MUDCH will (i) monitor compliance with the Water Safety Policy by service providers and approve a mandate for an independent body to ensure it, (ii) amend regulations for sustainable wastewater treatment cycle and pollution controls, (iii) develop a climate change roadmap for water supply and sanitation, (iv) prepare a drinking water conservation and demand strategy plan, (v) revise the National Sanitation Policy with guidance on sanitation safety plans, (vi) approve a climate-resilient project appraisal framework for sanitation, and (vii) approve a GESI-sensitive National Water Tariff Policy. The TA team will also support NWSDB in (i) approving a carbon footprint reduction roadmap, (ii) developing guidance to apply for climate funds, (iii) piloting an NRW reduction PPP procurement process, and (iv) preparing a concept note for submission to a climate fund. 4. The TA financing amount is $800,000, of which (i) $500,000 will be financed on a grant basis by ADB’s Technical Assistance Special Fund (TASF-other sources), and (ii) $300,000 will be financed on a grant basis by the Water Innovation Trust Fund (footnote 1) under the Water Financing Partnership Facility and administered by ADB. The government will provide counterpart support in the form of counterpart staff, office space, and other in-kind contributions. The TA will be implemented over 24 months from September 2024 to September 2026, which also allows for achieving the program outcome indicators of conducting the procurement process of a Nonrevenue Water Reduction Performance-based Contract (PBC, or PPP) and submitting a concept note to a climate fund. ADB will undertake periodic review missions to confirm the progress of TA activities. The current consultancy will be financed by ADB’s Technical Assistance Special Fund (TASF-other sources). B. Objective and Purpose of the Assignment 5. The consultant will support the MUDCH in developing relevant documents of policy action 2.2 items (iii.b) agreed upon between the government and ADB as stated in the draft policy design and monitoring framework (Attachment). The consultant will assist the government and ADB in ensuring alignment and compliance of the documents produced with the intention expressed in the draft policy actions. 6. To promote water saving, the government identified the need to develop guidelines for ensuring standardized fittings for water service customer connections at pipe networks. This is essential for improving system reliability and maintenance efficiency. By ensuring consistent quality and compatibility, standardized fittings minimize water loss through leaks and simplify repairs, reducing service disruptions. This uniformity also supports faster response times during emergencies and lowers inventory costs by eliminating the need for diverse spare parts. Moreover, standardization facilitates network expansion and scaling, as new connections can seamlessly integrate with existing systems. It enhances water quality by preventing contamination from substandard materials and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, it contributes to environmental sustainability by conserving water resources and generating less waste, while also improving customer satisfaction through reliable service and quicker connections |
Scope of Work
| 7. The consultant will be responsible for preparing all documents related to the policy action, ensuring they align with the corresponding deliverables outlined in Table 3. Additionally, the consultant will review the current legal and technical frameworks, as well as institutional arrangements, to identify any gaps. This review will ensure alignment with government strategies and help avoid potential overlaps. The consultant will closely work with a Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy Expert (National, individual consultant to be recruited, acting as Team Leader) who will be responsible for developing a Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy Plan. The guidelines and procedures for standardized fittings for water service customer connections at pipe networks are expected to be an annex to the Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy Plan. 8. Working closely with MUDCH and relevant stakeholders, including the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, the consultant will develop comprehensive guidelines to ensure standardized fittings for water service customer connections at pipe networks. These guidelines should harmonize existing practices across service providers in urban, semi-urban, rural, and estate sectors while considering the current national market to ensure availability and cost-effectiveness. The guidelines should also account for potential differences in standards required for domestic and non-domestic customers, reflecting their distinct usage patterns and service needs. They must prioritize value-for-money considerations and align with relevant government policies, strategies, and plans to ensure consistency and feasibility in implementation. 9. Sequentially, the consultant will (i) collect relevant information and documents, (ii) draft the guidelines and related documents, (iii) validate the contents of the documents with relevant key stakeholders, (iv) obtain public opinion, (v) finalize the policy document, and (vi) support the approval of the documents by the government. |
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
| D. Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Outputs 10. Not limited, the consultant will: a. Follow phased approach principles. b. Equally, consider urban/peri-urban/rural/estate/informal areas. c. Consider the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders. d. Promote an integrated water resources management approach, with due consideration of the National Water Resources Policy. e. While drafting the documents, the consultant should (a) consider existing regulations/standards and surveillance considerations (including water quality auditing and monitoring), and (b) propose innovative processes and procedures. f. While providing the recommendations, the consultant should consider aspects related to (not limited) stakeholder consultation, protection of the poor and vulnerable, strengthening of gender participation, climate resilience/benefits, economic impacts, financial sustainability, and overall water and sanitation sector performance including increasing the private sector’s participation, government’s ability and political will, with due considerations to the country’s economic situation and its potential growth. g. Jointly with the relevant stakeholders, the consultant will develop guidelines for standardized fittings following national material standards, and national water quality standards, including climate and disaster risk assessments. 11. The detailed tasks and expected outputs are given in Table 1. Table 1: Detailed Tasks and Expected Outputs Detailed tasks Expected Outputs For 2.2 (iii.b) Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy Plan including standardized fittings for water service customer connections at pipe networks, to promote water saving Consultation with Stakeholders: Engage with MUDCH, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and other relevant stakeholders to gather input on existing practices and standards for water service customer connections. Conduct consultations to understand the needs and challenges faced by service providers in urban, semi- urban, rural, and estate sectors. Stakeholder Consultation Summary: A report summarizing consultations with MUDCH, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and other relevant stakeholders, detailing key inputs and feedback received. Review Existing Practices and Standards: Review current practices and standards for customer connections in different sectors (urban, semi-urban, rural, and estate). Identify any inconsistencies or gaps in the current approaches. Existing Practices and Standards Summary: A report describing any inconsistencies or gaps in the current approaches. Develop Draft Guidelines: Draft comprehensive guidelines that standardize fittings for water service customer connections across all sectors, ensuring harmonization of practices. Ensure that the guidelines reflect distinct needs for domestic and non-domestic customers based on their usage patterns. Draft Guidelines for Standardized Fittings: A draft of comprehensive guidelines for standardized water service customer connections, covering urban, semi-urban, rural, and estate sectors. Ensure Cost-Effectiveness and Availability: Assess the current national market to ensure that the recommended fittings are widely available and cost- effective. Prioritize value-for-money considerations while ensuring the guidelines remain feasible for implementation. Market Assessment Report: An analysis of the current national market for fittings, including cost-effectiveness and availability considerations. Align with Government Policies: Ensure that the guidelines align with relevant national policies, strategies, and plans. Ensure that the standards are consistent with broader national objectives for water service provision. Throughout the assignment. Finalize Guidelines and Submit Report: Refine the guidelines based on feedback from stakeholders. Submit the finalized guidelines in a report, including any relevant implementation suggestions. Finalized Guidelines Document: A finalized version of the guidelines, including all recommendations for domestic and non-domestic customer fittings, with an emphasis on value for money, feasibility, and alignment with government policies. MUDCH = Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing. E. Expected deliverables and timelines 12. The consultant is expected to identify and document any gaps or bottlenecks and recommend appropriate mechanisms and strategies to address these issues. Additionally, the consultant should provide a clear plan for moving forward, outlining steps to resolve the identified challenges. 13. Conduct workshops with relevant stakeholders to ensure a proper consultation process. 14. Support the MUDCH and any other relevant stakeholders in obtaining approval of the documents produced under the policy action. 15. Table 2 represents the linkages between the policy action and expected activities, including timelines and working days. Table 2: Linkages between the Policy Actions and Deliverables Policy action and/or outcome Timeline Activities Working days 2.2 Aligned with NWRP strategies to increase climate resilience and environmental sustainability, MWS will: (iii) approve with immediate effect a: (b) Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy Plan including standardized fittings for water service customer connections at pipe networks, to promote water saving. Up to December 2025 2.2 (iii.b) Develop guidelines and procedures for standardized fittings for water service customer connections at pipe networks. These deliverables will be an annex to the Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy Plan. 48 16. Table 3 represents the reporting requirements. Table 3: Reporting requirements No. Report Timeline Description Inception Report Within 25 days after mobilization Findings and recommendations for the development of the guidelines. Stakeholder Consultation Summary Within 60 days after mobilization Summary of the initial consultation with stakeholders. Existing Practices and Standards Summary Within 90 days after mobilization Summary of the current practices and standards, including recommendations. Draft guidelines on standardized fitting and Market assessment report Within 120 days after mobilization Share with stakeholders the first draft of the guidelines, and the results of the market assessment. Final guidelines on standardized fitting Within 150 days after mobilization Agree on the guidelines and obtain approval from stakeholders. F. Implementation Arrangements 17. The assignment would be supported and implemented through the procurement of consulting services that will be financed on a grant basis by ADB. ADB’s Water and Urban Development Sector Office (South Asia) will select, supervise, evaluate the consultants, and monitor the quality of their work. MUDCH will be the implementing agency. For day-to-day administration, MUDCH will nominate a focal staff to interact with the consultant and ensure stakeholders’ participation to ensure that the outputs and deliverables are produced in a timely, effective, and quality manner. 18. The assignment shall be completed within 200 days from the date of issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP). It is expected that the assignment will commence in July 2025 and be completed by February 2026. The tasks related to policy action 2.2 (iii.b) shall be completed within 150 days after mobilization. The tasks can be performed remotely, and the consultant may use remote video technology meetings to replace face-to-face meetings as considered necessary. In general, however, the consultant is expected to maintain regular face-to-face communication with MUDCH during the contract period. The consultant will be required to be physically in Colombo during critical consultation stages and training. |
Minimum Qualification Requirements
| G. Minimum Qualification Requirements, Experience, and Responsibilities 19. Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Engineering background and recognized professional qualification or equivalent. 20. Experience: (i) at least 5 years of working experience in the water supply and sanitation sector with policy development and regulatory arrangements, (iii) familiarity with water and sanitation sector issues in Sri Lanka would be an advantage, (iv) experience in water supply systems, plumbing design, and water conservation projects, (v) expertise in designing water supply connections, including knowledge of materials, fittings, and installation techniques, (vi) familiarity with national and international standards and regulations related to water supply and plumbing (e.g., ISO, ANSI, ASME standards), (vii) knowledge of water-saving devices and technologies, such as low-flow fixtures, smart meters, and leak detection systems. Proficiency in English and strong writing skills are essential. A good understanding of engineering design practices is required. 21. Responsibilities: The expert will support relevant stakeholders in developing documents of policy action 2.2 under its responsibility. H. Other Relevant Information (i) General Requirements 22. The consultant will work alongside MUDCH and other relevant stakeholder staff, to have frequent interactions that would facilitate undertaking the proposed consulting services and successful completion of deliverables. In addition, for effective and efficient execution of the assignment, and as required by MUDCH, consultants should closely interact with the designated ADB staff. 23. It is expected that the consultant will have as many as possible the following credentials: (i) demonstrated ability to work closely and effectively together with counterpart staff of implementing agency, and public sector organizations in South Asia; and (iv) have extensive in-country experience. 24. The consultant, in consultation with MUDCH shall coordinate and collect data from different stakeholders when needed, to meet necessary data inputs for undertaking the tasks under the scope of services and expected activities/deliverables. 25. All documentation prepared will be in the English language. (ii) Government inputs 26. MUDCH will provide suitable and adequate dedicated counterpart staff to work with the consultant. If required, MUDCH will provide appropriate unfurnished office space in MUDCH premises in Colombo for the consultant to carry out all its activities/tasks. MWS&EID will also make available all relevant and available policies, strategies, study reports, technical reports, etc. MUDCH will also be responsible for promoting stakeholder consultation events and/or workshops. |
