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 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. The consultant should ensure alignment a build upon with the National Water Resources Policy. 6. While the National Water Resources Policy sets the strategic direction for how water is managed nationally, the Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy focuses on specific actions to improve drinking water use efficiency and reduce overall demand within that framework. The National Water Resources Policy outlines the broad goals and principles, while the drinking water conservation and demand strategy provides the practical steps and mechanisms to achieve those goals, particularly regarding managing consumption and water savings. 7. In summary, the National Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy focuses specifically on optimizing the use of drinking water, reducing wastage, and ensuring that drinking water demand is balanced with available supply. It emphasizes practices and programs aimed at drinking water supply efficiency, conservation, and demand management, addressing how water is consumed and reused. The strategy typically includes measures like public awareness, water-saving technologies including fittings and accessories, pricing mechanisms, and climate resilience actions to guide behavior and ensure the sustainable use of drinking water. 8. The National Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy aims to balance water supply and demand by promoting efficient drinking water use, reducing wastage, and encouraging conservation across all sectors of society. This strategy is vital for safeguarding water availability for future generations, addressing water scarcity, improving public health, and fostering economic resilience. It also promotes equity by ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to drinking water while enhancing the overall efficiency of water use in agriculture, industry, and households. 9. The strategy should include key components such as water efficiency programs, demand management, public awareness campaigns, and water recycling initiatives. It also involves a regulatory framework, leveraging technology, and ensuring climate change resilience. Stakeholder collaboration, including government agencies, local authorities, and the private sector, is crucial for its success. By monitoring and evaluating the use of drinking water and conservation efforts, the strategy can adapt to emerging challenges, ensuring that water resources are effectively managed and distributed, contributing to long-term sustainability and resilience. |
Scope of Work
| 10. The consultant will be responsible for preparing all documents related to the policy action, ensuring they align with the corresponding deliverables outlined in Table 1. Additionally, the consultant will review the current policy, 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, acting as a Team Leader, will closely work with a Water Supply Connections Expert (National, individual consultant to be recruited) who will be responsible for developing guidelines and procedures for standardized fittings for water service customer connections at pipe networks – these deliverables are expected to be an annex to the Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy Plan. 11. Working closely with MUDCH and relevant stakeholders, including the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, the consultant is expected to assess the current state of drinking water use across various sectors—urban, semi-urban, rural, and estate—and identify region-specific challenges and opportunities for conservation. The consultant should work closely with stakeholders, including government agencies, drinking water service providers, and sector representatives (e.g., agriculture, industry, and hospitality), to ensure the strategy reflects the diverse needs and priorities of different water users. This includes addressing specific objectives such as drinking water supply demand management in industries and commercial sectors like hotels, ensuring that the strategy is tailored to different utility sector unique demands and usage patterns. 12. The consultant should develop targeted recommendations for improving water efficiency, reducing wastage, and promoting conservation practices within each sector. The strategy should incorporate demand management mechanisms, such as water pricing and water rationing, and explore options like water reuse and recycling. The consultant should also ensure that the strategy aligns with national policies, is feasible within the existing infrastructure, and accounts for climate change impacts. Finally, the consultant should provide a clear implementation roadmap, including stakeholder roles, timelines, and measurable outcomes (like per capita water usage reduction, a percentage increase in water reuse and recycling rates, and reduction in water contamination levels due to improved conservation and management practices) to ensure the strategy’s successful adoption and long-term sustainability. 13. 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 14. 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. 15. 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 Stakeholder Consultation and Data Collection: Conduct consultations with key stakeholders, including government bodies (e.g., MUDCH, Ministry of Irrigation, Mahaweli Authority, water supply authorities), water service providers, and representatives from key sectors (agriculture, industry, urban areas, hotels, etc.). Collect relevant data on current water use patterns, challenges, and opportunities for conservation in each sector (urban, semi-urban, rural, and estate). Gather information on existing policies, programs, and regulations related to water use, conservation, and demand management. Stakeholder Consultation Report: A detailed report summarizing consultations with stakeholders, outlining key findings on current water use, challenges, and opportunities for conservation. Sectoral Analysis and Identification of Needs: Conduct a detailed assessment of drinking water usage in different sectors (domestic, commercial, institutional) to identify key challenges, inefficiencies, and potential for water savings. Identify the specific water needs and consumption patterns of each sector and any regional disparities that may exist. Sectoral Water Use Assessment: A document analyzing water consumption patterns and identifying specific challenges and inefficiencies in each sector, with recommendations for targeted conservation measures. Development of Conservation and Demand Management Measures: Develop sector-specific water conservation and demand management measures tailored to the identified needs of each sector. Propose mechanisms like tiered pricing, water reuse and recycling, water-efficient technologies, and public awareness campaigns to reduce water wastage and promote sustainable use. To be incorporated in the draft National Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy. Incorporation of Climate Change Resilience: Integrate climate change impacts, such as changes in rainfall patterns and water availability, into the strategy. Propose adaptive measures to ensure water security under changing climatic conditions, including storage capacity, drought management, and alternative water sources. To be incorporated in the draft National Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy. Policy and Regulatory Recommendations: Provide recommendations for strengthening the regulatory framework to support water conservation, including the enforcement of standards, incentives for water-saving practices, and penalties for excessive water use. Align recommendations with existing national policies, plans, and strategies related to water resources and environmental sustainability. This action will be performed throughout the assignment. The National Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy should reflect the conclusions reached during the policy and regulatory assessment and stakeholder consultations. Draft the National Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy: Compile the findings from consultations, assessments, and recommendations into a comprehensive draft strategy document. Ensure that the strategy includes clear goals, measurable outcomes, and a timeline for implementation. Draft National Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy: A comprehensive draft strategy document, outlining the conservation goals, sector-specific measures, water-saving practices, demand management techniques, and policy recommendations. Stakeholder Feedback and Finalization: Present the draft strategy to stakeholders for feedback, particularly those from the relevant sectors, to ensure it is practical and aligned with their needs. Revise the strategy based on feedback and finalize the document. Final National Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy: The final version of the National Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and containing clear, actionable steps for implementation. Implementation Roadmap and Monitoring Framework: Develop a clear roadmap for the implementation of the strategy, including timelines, roles, and responsibilities for stakeholders. Establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of the strategy, with specific indicators and measurable outcomes for each action. Implementation Roadmap and Monitoring Framework: A detailed implementation plan, including specific actions, timelines, and responsibilities, along with a monitoring and evaluation framework to measure progress and ensure accountability. MUDCH = Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing. E. Expected deliverables and timelines 16. The consultant is expected to review existing policies, strategies, and action plans related to water conservation and water demand, identify and document any gaps or bottlenecks, and recommend appropriate mechanisms and strategies to address these issues. Due consideration should be given to the National Water Resources Policy. Additionally, the consultant should provide a clear plan for moving forward, outlining steps to resolve the identified challenges. 17. Conduct workshops with relevant stakeholders to ensure a proper consultation process. 18. Support the MUDCH and any other relevant stakeholders in obtaining approval of the documents produced under the policy action. 19. 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 a national Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy Plan. 70 20. Table 3 represents the reporting requirements. Table 3: Reporting Requirements No. Report Timeline Description Inception Report Within 25 days after mobilization Outlines the consultant’s work plan, methodology, and approach for the assignment. It includes the consultant’s understanding of the assignment, the scope of work, key deliverables, and a detailed timeline. It also highlights any initial data collected and a preliminary stakeholder consultation strategy. Stakeholder Consultation Report Within 50 days after mobilization Detailed summary of consultations with key stakeholders. This report should outline the key findings regarding current water usage, sector-specific challenges, and conservation opportunities. It will serve as the foundation for sectoral analysis. Sectoral Water Use and Needs Assessment Report Within 80 days after mobilization Comprehensive analysis of water consumption patterns across different sectors (domestic, agriculture, industry, commercial), identifying inefficiencies, challenges, and areas where water conservation is possible. It will also highlight the distinct needs of each sector and regional disparities. Draft National Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy Within 110 days after mobilization The first draft of the strategy document, incorporating findings from the sectoral analysis, consultations, and recommendations for conservation and demand management measures. It will outline water-saving practices, demand management mechanisms, and policy recommendations, addressing both short- term and long-term objectives. This draft should also include a draft Implementation Roadmap and Monitoring Framework. Implementation Roadmap and Monitoring Framework Within 150 days after mobilization Detailed implementation plan with specific actions, timelines, roles, and responsibilities. It also outlines the monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and ensure accountability in executing the strategy. This document may be incorporated into the National Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy, if requested by the government. Final National Drinking Water Conservation and Demand Strategy Within 150 days after mobilization The final, revised version of the strategy document, incorporating stakeholder feedback from the draft stage. This document will provide a comprehensive, actionable roadmap for water conservation and demand management, with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, timelines, and responsibilities. F. Implementation Arrangements 21. 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. 22. 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 associated with the consultant’s assignment under 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 23. Qualifications: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, Water Resources Management, or a related field, (ii) Certifications in water conservation (e. g., Certified Water Conservation Professional), project management (e.g., PMP), and/or sustainability practices, is preferred. 24. Experience: (i) 10 years of experience in water conservation planning, implementation, and management, (ii) demonstrated experience in leading water conservation projects, including planning, execution, and monitoring, (iii) familiarity with water use regulations, conservation policies, and sustainability standards at local, national, and international levels, (iv) expertise in water-saving technologies, methods for reducing water usage, and efficient water management practices, (v) knowledge of strategies for managing water demand, including pricing, incentives, and consumer behavior modification, (vi) skills in data collection, statistical analysis, and water demand forecasting using relevant software and tools, (vii) understanding of Integrated Water Resources Management principles and their application in balancing water supply and demand, (viii) ability to develop and implement public awareness campaigns and educational programs on water conservation, (ix) experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, businesses, and environmental organizations. Proficiency in English and strong writing skills are essential. A good understanding of engineering design practices is also required. 25. Responsibilities: The expert will support relevant stakeholders in developing documents of policy action 2.2 under its responsibility (Tables 2 and 3). H. Other Relevant Information (i) General Requirements 26. 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. 27. 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 (ii) have extensive in-country experience. 28. 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. 29. All documentation prepared will be in the English language. (ii) Government inputs 30. 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. |
