Construction of three MAR pilots in Muyingo Province in Burundi, Kakukuru in Munapano District in Uganda, Bwikhonge in Bulambuil district in Uganda tender at Nile Basin Initiative (NBI)

Background
The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) is implementing a Project certified “Enhancing Conjunctive Management of Surface and Groundwater Resources in Selected Transboundary Aquifers: Case Study for Selected Shared Groundwater Bodies in the Nile Basin” with funding from the United Nations Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The project aims to attain more effective utilization and protection of selected stand-alone aquifers in the selected sub-basin in the Eastern Nile and the Nile Equatorial Lakes region through further improving the understanding of available groundwater resources and demonstrating ‘conjunctive management’ that optimizes the joint use of surface and groundwater. The project focuses on three transboundary aquifers, namely:

1. Gedaref-Adigrat Aquifer (between Ethiopia and Sudan),
2. Kagera Aquifer (covering parts of Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda), and
3. The Mt Elgon Aquifer (between Kenya and Uganda).

Proposed Project
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), is seeking services of a competent firm to establish groundwater monitoring practices in the Kagera Aquifer Region. The pilot project implementation has been divided into the following procurement lots, as indicated below:
i) Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Pilot and Water Storage Construction at Kakukuru, Uganda-Rwanda Border (Uganda side) (LOT 1);
ii) Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Pilot and Injection Well Construction, Iron Removal Plant Installation for Mount Elgon Pilot Project in Bulambuli District, Eastern Uganda, (LOT 2) (Bid security required in the amount of Ugandan Shillings 24,000,000.00);
iii) Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Pilot and Water Storage Construction at Muyingo Province in Burundi close to the tri-border area linking it to Tanzania and Rwanda (LOT 3).

This assignment in LOT 1 & 3 involves:

1. Groundwater Investigation and selection of suitable location for MAR structure
2. Construction of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Structure
3. Transmission Main
4. Supply and Install Pump and its accessories
5. Construction of Pump house
6. Carry out geotechnical investigation at the tank site
7. Supply of Solar Panels and its accessories and installation
8. Supply and Install Elevated Storage Tank (Braithwaite steel tank) and its accessories
9. Electromechanical installation
10. Supply and Installation of chain link fence at the solar and tank site
11. Construction of community Yard Tap

This assignment in LOT 2 involves:

1. Groundwater Investigation and selection of suitable locations for induced and injection wells
2. Topographical survey of the proposed check dam site
3. Three Borehole drilling & placements (one induced infiltration well, one injection well, one above ground intake well & 4 placements), Flushing and testing, well development, Casing and gravel pack installation, well finishing
4. Construction of Iron Removal Treatment Plant
5. Construction of Check dam
6. Supply and Install a solar Pump and its accessories
7. Construction of Pump house
8. Supply of Solar Panels and its accessories and Electromechanical installation
9. Supply and Install Elevated Storage Tank (plastic water tanks, 3/16.)
10. Supply and Installation of chain link fence at the solar and tank site

Additional Job Description:
The selected firm will be responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of the Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) pilots, including all technical, logistical, and community engagement aspects. The firm must demonstrate expertise in hydrogeological surveys, construction of water infrastructure, and sustainable water management practices. Experience working in transboundary water projects and familiarity with the Kagera Aquifer region will be an added advantage. The firm will also be expected to adhere to UNDP’s environmental and social safeguards, ensuring gender inclusivity and community participation throughout the project lifecycle.

Pre-bid Meeting:
A pre-bid Meeting will be held on Zoom on 05th June 2025 at 12:00 PM EAT. Kindly register for pre-bid using the below link.

https://nems.diffes.com/s/rpPrRjk58A

For full details of the Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the Construction of three MAR pilots in Muyingo Province in Burundi, Kakukuru in Munapano District in Uganda, Bwikhonge in Bulambuli district in Uganda, please visit the link below:

https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_negotiation.cfm?nego_id=33575

Submission is online on Quantum (UNDP’s e-tendering platform). For additional information, please visit the link above.

For any inquiries, please contact us.procurement@undp.org

Note: UNDP is an equal opportunity Organisation. Companies/organisations led by Women, Youth, and People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to submit bids.