Expertise: Wastewater Specialist
Expertise Group: Engineering
Consultant Source: National
TOR Keywords:
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
Rapid urbanization and population growth are among the main challenges faced by Jaffna City, which has a
resident population of approximately 100,000 within the Jaffna Municipal Council area. The absence of a
proper sewage system poses serious risks to the groundwater, air, and land environment, while also
endangering public health by increasing the potential for waterborne diseases within city limits. At
present, sewage, effluent from septic tanks, and grey water from households are discharged directly into
the ground, causing significant groundwater pollution.
Under these circumstances, the establishment of a proper wastewater collection and treatment system for
Jaffna City has become a pressing necessity. Such a system is essential not only for improving the
living conditions of urban residents but also for facilitating the city’s economic growth and social
development, along with that of its surrounding areas.
The designs, construction drawings, and bill of quantities (BoQ), for the sewerage system were completed
with Asian Development Bank (ADB) funding under Jaffna Kilinochchi Water Supply and Sanitation Project
in 2015, and approval from the Central Environmental Authority was obtained for the proposed reuse of
treated effluent for agriculture. The proposed area covers the part of Jaffna Divisional Secretariat
Division and Part of Nallur Divisional Secretariat Division for the wastewater collection system and
Valikamam South West Divisional Secretariat Division for sanitation improvement and treated effluent
reuse system.
Under the initial design, it is proposed to provide a wastewater collection system for approximately
80,000 people residing in 20,000 premises. The estimated wastewater generation from the project area is
around 13,300 cubic meters per day (m3/day), which is considered substantial. Wastewater from bathrooms,
kitchens, and toilets will be collected through a gravity-based sewer network leading to pumping
stations, and subsequently conveyed to the proposed wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) with a design
capacity of 14,000 m3/day, to be established at Kallundai in the Valikamam South West Divisional
Secretariat Division.
The WWTP will adopt a stabilization pond system to treat the wastewater. The treated effluent is
proposed to be reused for agricultural purposes in the Navaly, Manipay West, and Sangaraththai catchment
areas, located near Kirari Kulam and Komputhalai Kulam. During the rainy season, any excess treated
effluent will be discharged downstream of the Kallundai Barrage.
The initiative of reuse of treated effluent will become Sri Lanka’s first major wastewater reuse
project. The identified agricultural area covers 93 hectares, where farming activities are currently
limited during the dry season due to the lack of groundwater. By providing a reliable year-round water
supply for cultivation, the project will directly benefit farmers, enhance agricultural productivity,
and contribute to the national economy.
The project scope was divided into three stages, with priority given to critically needy zones including
Jaffna Base Hospital, the University of Jaffna, hotels, Jaffna Town, and the surrounding densely
populated residential communities. This phasing approach was designed to address implementation
constraints and funding requirements, while ensuring that the overall project objectives are not
compromised.
The Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has applied financing from ADB toward
the cost of Climate Resilient Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Project for Jaffna Sanitation
Project – Stage 1.
(i) Components
The first stage of the proposed Jaffna Sanitation Project will include the following components:
(a) Construction of WWTP
(b) Reticulation system with six pumping stations to receive 6,200 m3/day
(c) Bowser receiving point at WWTP to receive the gully bowsers from uncovered area in Stage 1 within
Jaffna City limits and from neighboring Pradeshiya Sabas – Nallur PS, Valikamam South PS and Valikamam
South West PS: 50-100 m3/day
(ii) Cost
The total cost estimate for the Stage 1 of the Jaffna Sanitation Project is LKR17,686 million to
implement the abovementioned components.
(iii) Beneficiaries
(a) Direct connection to the system – 35,000 people
(b) Benefited from treated effluent – 126 farmer families
(c) Bowser receiving point – equivalent population 1,000 per day
Scope of Work
The consultant will review and update the existing designs, technical specifications, drawings, BoQ,
cost estimates, and bidding documents to facilitate the implementation of the project components
described below. The consultant shall be stationed in Jaffna throughout the assignment.
(i) Construction of WWTP
(ii) Reticulation system with six pumping stations to receive 6,200 m3/day
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
The consultant will
(i) review and revise technical specifications the technical specifications in accordance with the scope
of works assigned under Stage 1 of the project, taking into account the current developments and
prevailing site conditions within the project area;
(ii) review and update the design of the sewer reticulation system to accommodate the present and
anticipated developments within the Stage 1 service area;
(iii) review the adequacy and suitability of the designs for deep structures, including pumping stations
and associated civil works, and recommend necessary modifications where required;
(iv) review and revise the BoQ in line with the updated designs, specifications, and the Stage 1 scope
of works;
(v) prepare complete bidding documents in accordance with the applicable ADB Procurement Regulations and
NWSDB’s requirements;
(vi) review and update the engineer’s cost estimate based on the revised designs, quantities, and
prevailing market rates;
(vii) provide technical assistance to NWSDB during the procurement process, including support for bid
evaluation, as required;
(viii) assist NWSDB in preparing responses to bidders’ requests for clarification and other procurement-
related queries during the bidding process;
(ix) review the existing survey, investigation, and design data, identify any gaps arising from current
site conditions, and recommend or undertake any additional investigations necessary to complete the
design; and
(x) provide technical support to NWSDB during the pre-construction stage, including participation in pre-
bid meetings, technical discussions, and preparation of addenda or amendments to the bidding documents,
where required.
Deliverables:
(i) Inception Report – At the latest 1 month after mobilization
(ii) Monthly Report – Within the first week of the following month
(iii) Final Report – Within 2 months after the end of the assignment
The consultant shall report to the Project Director, Jaffna Kilinochchi Water Supply and Sanitation
Project, National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB). The consultant shall coordinate closely with
NWSDB’s representative throughout the assignment.
NWSDB will provide (i) access to all relevant documents; and (ii) office facilities, working space, and
transport to sites.
The consultant shall provide all other resources necessary to perform the assignment effectively.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from a recognized university acceptable by University Grant
Commission - Corporate membership of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) or an equivalent
internationally recognized professional institution
Professional Experience
- Minimum 15 years of professional experience in civil engineering
- Minimum 7 years of experience in planning, design, or implementation of water supply or wastewater
infrastructure projects - Minimum 4 years of experience with a consulting firm in the review of engineering designs and
preparation of bidding documents for infrastructure projects - Minimum 2 years of experience in design review and construction supervision of deep underground
structures (greater than 5 meters in depth), such as pumping station wet wells, underground sumps, or
similar substructures
Minimum General Experience: 15 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 7 Years
