Expertise: Engineering
Expertise Group: Engineering
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords: Wastewater Treatment, Sewerage Systems
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the Kathmandu Valley Wastewater Management Project (KVWMP) on
26 April 2013. The project is scheduled to close on 30 June 2027. The Ministry of Water Supply (MOWS) of
Nepal is the executing agency and the Project Implementation Directorate of Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani
Limited (PID-KUKL) is the implementing agency. The project aims to improve access to and efficiency of
wastewater services in the Kathmandu Valley through (i) rehabilitation and expansion of sewerage
networks, (ii) modernization and expansion of wastewater treatment plants, and (iii) institutional
strengthening and operational reforms. The project has delivered significant investments and generated
important benefits for wastewater management in the Kathmandu Valley.
While substantial progress has been achieved under ongoing KVWMP, several investments remain incomplete
and additional interventions are required to optimize the performance and sustainability of the
wastewater system. Since project approval, the Kathmandu Valley has experienced rapid urbanization,
population growth, and changes in water supply conditions, including increased water availability from
the Melamchi Water Supply Project. These developments have created new demands on wastewater
infrastructure and services and highlighted the need for further investments to maximize the benefits of
the ongoing project and address remaining service gaps.
ADB is preparing a follow-on operation, tentatively referred to as KVWMP Phase 2, for ADB’s board
consideration in 2027. To support the Phase 2 project preparation, ADB proposes to engage a consultant
to undertake a pre-feasibility assessment of the Kathmandu Valley wastewater sector.
The assessment will
(i) evaluate the performance, achievements, and remaining gaps under KVWMP;
(ii) identify priority investments, operational improvements, and institutional measures required to
optimize and complete the intended benefits of the ongoing project;
(iii) assess risks, constraints, and lessons learned from project design and implementation to inform
future interventions;
(iv) identify investment opportunities and strategic priorities that can be incorporated into KVWMP
Phase 2; and (v) develop a roadmap for future sector investments, including assessment of financing
needs and implementation arrangements.
Scope of Work
The consultant will lead the preparation of a pre-feasibility assessment for the proposed Kathmandu
Valley Wastewater Management Project (KVWMP) Phase 2. The assessment will build on the achievements and
lessons learned from KVWMP Phase 1 and identify priority investments and reforms required to optimize
the benefits of ongoing investments, address remaining service gaps, and support sustainable wastewater
management in the Kathmandu Valley. The consultant will review the interim assessment report, relevant
master plans, and project documentation to develop a comprehensive understanding of sector needs and
provide the rationale and strategic direction for the proposed Phase 2 project.
Duration and Mode of Services and Reporting Requirement:
The duration of the assignment is 30 person-days from 3 August 2026 to 30 November 2026. The assignment
is expected to be undertaken through a combination of desk review (approximately 70%), field visits and
site inspections within the Kathmandu Valley (approximately 20%), and consultations with relevant
stakeholders, including government agencies, KUKL, project implementation units, and development
partners (approximately 10%). The consultant will report to Senior Project Management Specialist based
in ADB Nepal Resident Mission.
Deliverables:
The expert’s service under the assignment shall be delivered in the form of an assessment report, which
shall preferably be limited to 20 pages, excluding appendices. The appendices shall include, among
others, a Summary Sector Assessment, which will serve as an input to the ADB project concept note.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
The consultant’s tasks will include, among others:
Review the interim assessment report, wastewater sector master plans, and relevant project documents,
including feasibility studies, detailed design reports, contracts, and progress reports.
Assess the performance and implementation status of KVWMP Phase 1 and identify incomplete,
underutilized, or constrained investments that require additional interventions to maximize project
benefits and sustainability.
Identify opportunities to enhance synergies between existing and proposed infrastructure, operational
improvements, and institutional strengthening measures.
Identify and prioritize potential investments, reforms, and capacity-building activities that could be
incorporated into KVWMP Phase 2, taking into account lessons learned from Phase 1 implementation.
Assess remaining wastewater service gaps, future demand, system performance constraints, and emerging
sector priorities resulting from urban growth and changing water supply conditions.
Evaluate financing requirements, implementation arrangements, and project readiness considerations for
the proposed Phase 2 project, including opportunities for additional financing to optimize and complete
ongoing investments.
Assess key institutional, technical, financial, environmental, social, and operational risks and
recommend measures to strengthen implementation effectiveness and sustainability.
Prepare a phased investment roadmap outlining short-, medium-, and long-term priority interventions for
the wastewater sector in the Kathmandu Valley.
Prepare a pre-feasibility assessment report and executive summary suitable for informing the preparation
of the project concept note and subsequent project processing activities.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The applicant shall have:
Minimum Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, urban and regional planning, economics, social science,
project management, or other related fields. A master’s degree is preferred.
At least 10 years of professional experience in water supply and sanitation sector.
Experience in projects supported by multilateral development banks is preferred.
Prior involvement in projects of similar nature will be advantageous.
Minimum General Experience: 10 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 10 Years
