TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) REHABILITATION / CONSTRUCTION AND EXCAVATION OF IRRIGATION CANALS IN JOWHAR AND BELETWEYNE, HIRSHABELLE STATE, SOMALIA

Sarirale Farmers’ Cooperative Society

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

REHABILITATION / CONSTRUCTION AND EXCAVATION OF IRRIGATION CANALS IN JOWHAR AND BELETWEYNE, HIRSHABELLE STATE, SOMALIA.

1. Background

Sarirale Farmers’ Cooperative Society in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Program is currently implementing a project funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) aimed at improving rural livelihoods, enhancing food security, and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices in Hirshabelle State, Somalia. As one of the most senior and most active cooperatives in the region, Sarirale Farmer Cooperative is committed to supporting smallholder farmers through improved access to agricultural inputs, services, and infrastructure that enable them to sustainably increase production and income.

One of the key components of the GAFSP project’s initiative is the construction and or rehabilitation of critical irrigation infrastructure that supports water efficient farming systems. Properly functioning irrigation canals are essential for ensuring reliable and equitable water distribution to agricultural fields, especially in areas vulnerable to drought, flooding, and unpredictable rainfalls. Many existing canals in Jowhar and Beletweyne are either damaged or functioning below capacity due to years of neglect, erosion, and structural collapse.

To address these challenges, Sarirale plans to undertake the construction and/or rehabilitation of some selected irrigation canal in Jowhar & in Beletweyne with the goal of restoring and enhancing the water management systems that serve thousands of cooperative farmers in the said locations. These canal systems are vital for improving water availability and expanding agricultural production across these key cooperative managed farming lands.

In addition to civil works on the canals, the assignmnet includes the installation of a solar-powered water pumping system and PVC piping network at some of the Canal in the target location. This intervention will serve as a model for sustainable and energy efficient irrigation, reducing dependence on costly and environmentally harmful diesel pumps. The solar system is intended to demonstrate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy solutions in rural water delivery services for the agriculture land of the farming cooperatives in the target locations.

Overall, the planned interventions will directly contribute to the improved water security, increased crop yields, reduced production risks, and strengthened resilience for cooperative farmers and their households. The upgraded irrigation infrastructure will not only support immediate productivity gains but will also build the foundation for long-term climate adaptation and food system stability in Hirshabelle State.

2. Objectives of the Assignment

The overall objective of this assignment is to improve irrigation infrastructure and promote sustainable water management practices that enhance agricultural productivity and climate resilience for smallholder farmers in Jowhar & Beleweyn of Hirshabelle State.

The specific objectives are as follows:

• To rehabilitate and/or construct the irrigation of selected canals in Jowhar and in Beletweyne to restore and improve water flow, retention, and delivery to farmlands, thereby supporting increased agricultural output.

• To install a fully functional solar-powered water pumping system with a PVC piping distribution network at some canals aimed at demonstrating efficient and renewable energy-based irrigation solutions.

• To strengthen the resilience of irrigation systems through the development of climate-smart, sustainable, and community-managed infrastructure that supports long-term adaptation to climate variability and enhances the livelihoods of cooperative members.

3. Scope of Work

The contractor will be responsible for the construction, excavation and/or rehabilitation of irrigation canals across Jowhar and Beletweyne, as well as the full installation of a solar-powered water pumping and PVC distribution system for some selected canals in both locations. These works aim to restore and enhance irrigation infrastructure, improve water management, and promote climate-resilient agricultural practices in support of GAFSP project goals.

For each canal site, the contractor will conduct site clearance, excavation, and reshaping of canal beds and banks to restore proper alignment and dimensions. Desilting and re-sectioning will be undertaken to remove blockages and restore water flow capacity. Where required, canal sections will be reconstructed and lined using appropriate materials such as concrete, masonry, and compacted earth based on technical design and soil conditions. Essential water control structures such as intake points, headwalls, culverts, gates, and spillways will be constructed or rehabilitated wherever required /recommended to ensure efficient and safe irrigation management. In addition, erosion control and flood protection features including reinforced embankments, check dams, and retaining walls will be installed to enhance durability and reduce risk of damage.

Also the contractor will design and install a complete solar-powered irrigation system, including panel mounting structures, solar equipment (panels, controllers, inverters), and a submersible or surface water pump in the selected canals. A PVC pipe distribution network will be installed to deliver water to designated farm plots. The system must be tested, commissioned, and handed over in full working condition.

The contractor is also expected to engage with community leaders, cooperatives, and local authorities throughout the implementation process. Capacity-building and on the job training will be provided to selected community members on canal maintenance and solar system operation. All works must adhere to environmental and safety standards, including PPE use, waste management, and safeguarding nearby ecosystems.

In summary, some of key tasks include; 

• Site clearance, excavation, and reshaping of the selected canals in Jowhar & Beletweyn

• Desilting, re-sectioning, and lining of damaged canal sections

• Construction and or rehabilitation of intake structures, gates, culverts, and outlets

• Installation of erosion control and flood protection features

• Embankment stabilization and slope protection

• Rapid technical assessment and installation of solar pump at selected Canals

• Construction of solar panel mounting structures

• Supply and installation of solar equipment and PVC distribution system

• Testing and commissioning of the solar system

• Community engagement and on the-job training

• Full compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards. 

4. Deliverables

The contractor shall be responsible for delivering the following outputs upon successful completion of the assignment ; 

• Rehabilitated and or newly constructed irrigation canals, fully functional and compliant with the approved design specifications, including all associated structures (intakes, gates, outlets, etc.).

• Installed and operational solar-powered water pumping system with a complete PVC distribution network, tested and commissioned for use.

• Technical documentation for all infrastructure works, including canal layouts, cross-sections, and system schematics (in AutoCAD and PDF formats).

• Completion reports for each site, detailing work completed, GPS coordinates, technical specifications, photographic evidence, and any deviations from the original design.

• A comprehensive final report summarizing the entire assignment, including project progress, challenges encountered, technical results, environmental compliance measures, and practical recommendations for future maintenance and replication.

5. Locations

23 cooperative locations (9 in Jowhar & 14 in Baladweyn), but the exact locations will be provided to the successful bidder. 

6. Timeframe

The tentative duration of the assignment is 60 calendar days, starting from the date of contract signing.

 

7. Supplier Requirements

To ensure quality and timely delivery of the works, interested contractors must meet the following minimum eligibility and qualification criteria ; 

• Minimum of 10 years of proven experience in general construction, rehabilitation, excavation, with at least 5 years specifically in irrigation canal construction and rehabilitation, including excavation, concrete works, and hydraulic structure development.

• Experience in the design, supply, and installation of solar-powered irrigation systems, including submersible or surface pumps, control units, and PVC distribution networks preferably in rural or agricultural settings.

• Capacity to manage multiple construction sites simultaneously in rural and low-access areas, with demonstrated project management capabilities under tight timelines.

• Valid and current Construction /civil work license issued by relevant Somali national and/or Hirshabelle regional authorities.

• Valid business registration and tax compliance certificates recognized by Hirshabelle State government.

• Proven track record of successfully completing at least three (3) similar infrastructure projects (canal or solar irrigation systems) within the past five years, including references and documentation.

• Availability of a qualified technical team, including Civil/Irrigation Engineers, Solar System Technicians, Construction Site Supervisors

• Access to or ownership of essential construction equipment such as Excavators, backhoes, Concrete mixers, Water pumps, Transport trucks and lifting equipment

• Ability to mobilize quickly upon contract award and complete all works within the specified timeline and budget, while adhering to safety and environmental standards.

8. Evaluation Criteria

All submitted proposals will be evaluated based on a combination of technical quality, organizational capacity, past performance, and cost competitiveness. The following weighted criteria will guide the evaluation process ;

 

Only proposals that meet the minimum technical threshold will proceed to financial evaluation. Final selection will be based on the best overall value for quality and cost.

9. Payment Schedule

Payments will be disbursed based on the achievement of key project milestones, subject to verification and approval by Sarirale’s Technical Committee. The payment breakdown is as follows:

All payments are conditional upon compliance with technical specifications, safety and submission of required documentation.

10. Application process

The Submission Requirements ; 

Interested and eligible contractors are invited to submit a complete bid package comprising the following components:

• Technical Proposal (maximum 6 pages) demonstrating understanding of the assignment, methodology, work plan, and key milestones

• Company Profile including legal status, operational history, and areas of expertise

• Evidence of relevant experience (previous contracts or POs) in similar construction, rehabilitation, and solar irrigation projects

• Organizational structure and staffing plan with CVs of key personnel like engineers, solar technicians, etc. 

• Detailed project work schedule (preferably in Gantt chart format if applicable)

• Financial Proposal with itemized unit rates and total costs in USD, inclusive of all taxes

• Valid Company Registration Business Certificate and Construction License (Federal and Hirshabelle authorities)

• Valid Tax Clearance Certificate from Federal and Hirshabelle authorities

• List of construction and excavation equipment with supporting photos

• Completed, signed, and stamped Bill of Quantities (BoQ). 

11. How to apply 

Interested consultancy firms/individuals with the required capacity are requested to submit their proposals through Info@sariralecoop.so by putting a copy to Mohamed.ibrahim@Sariralecoop.so and  Abdullahi.omar@sariralecoop.so.

The deadline for the applications is 21 August 2025.

Note: The detailed Bill of Quantities (BoQs) and the list of exact canal locations are available at Sarirale’s office in Jowhar and must be collected in person.

Interested bidders are therefore required to visit the office physically to obtain these documents.