TOR for Hydrogeological/Geophysical Survey Consultant – Kismayo, Somalia

TOR for Hydrogeological/Geophysical Survey Consultant

Background

Medair has been implementing integrated lifesaving quality health, nutrition and WASH programs in Somalia since 2013, Medair seeks to address the drinking water scarcity in lower Juba, Abdalla Biroole village by installing a borehole with the capacity to serve supported health facilities and community. In Abdalla Biroole the main sources of water are shallow wells which serve both human and livestock. The water from the shallow wells is only available during the rainy season when the water is less salty. During the dry season the water is highly saline, which renders it not fit for human consumption. This means that for most the year the water is only available for livestock use. Concrete cattle troughs were observed during the assessment.

The main water source in Abdalla Birole village is Yaq-Bishar Borehole, approximately 18km away. Yaq-Bishar Borehole was installed by an International NGO in the early 1990s. Water collection takes extended duration due to long walks and queuing time as each family waits for their turn to fill their containers. There is a fee for water collection from this source, so the price is another prohibitive factor.

Medair seeks to address the drinking water scarcity by installing a borehole with the capacity to serve the two health facilities and community., a geophysical survey is therefore needed to determine a suitable location for borehole installation.

SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor is required to conduct a Hydro-geological/Geophysical Survey, the consultant is also required to collect the available secondary data on existing boreholes through a desk review , while primary data will be obtained by carrying out Hydro-geophysical measurements within the study area using the appropriate hydro-geological surveying equipment.

The outcome will be a comprehensive hydro-geological survey report giving details of the findings and recommendations identifying a site to install a borehole which will yield sufficient¹ water of acceptable quality² throughout the year.

Approach:

Desk study: Review of existing data related to the site including water resource trends, topographical maps, satellite images, borehole site investigations, geological reports and maps (if available), borehole and surface water records, etc.

Hydro-geological fieldwork: Detailed reconnaissance survey of project area. (GPS co-ordinates/P-codes, water level measurements, condition of these boreholes, usage and performance where applicable) inspection of geological, geo-morphological and structural characteristics of the investigated area; verification of existing data and findings.

Geophysical measurements: resistivity profiling and vertical electrical soundings (VES).

Based on the population served, international standards (WHO, Sphere) and the needs of the population

WHO drinking water quality standards

Analysis and interpretation of hydro-geological/geophysical data for selection of potential drilling site

Compilation, analysis, and evaluation of the gathered data and information.

Site selection

Final report of results

Presentation of the results to hydrogeologist/geologist experts from Medair and Ministry of Energy and Water Resource for validation of the best possible site

The final report will contain the items A to F and will be submitted to Medair. The report shall include raw field data in appendix, interpretations and justifications, hydrogeological evaluations, conclusions and recommendations related to the investigated areas

The outline table of contents of the final report will be as follows:

Executive summary (1 page)

Introduction, review of previous studies and hydrogeological information of the studied area, including history of groundwater depletion or known changes in quality: mineral content including unharmful –iron- and harmful – fluorides, nitrates… and toxic elements such as arsenic bacteriological pathogens.

Geology and hydrogeology (incl. Inventory of positive and negative boreholes, aquifer characteristics –storage and hydraulic- and well characteristics –sustainable discharge rate- based on available data., and water quality))

Calibration of the geophysical instrument at known boreholes (yield, log) for the geophysical characterization of the geological formations, including the aquifer(s).

Methods of investigations, including combination of geophysical methods.

Geophysical prospecting on different sites.

Interpretation and comparison of studied sites: aquifer and borehole potentials, Most suitable drilling site and justification, target aquifer(s) for drinking water production, mentioning assumptions, risks and risk management.

proposed drilling method, with equipment characteristics (incl. estimation of the casing and screen positions)

Simplified Environmental and societal impact of the drilling and required risks reduction measures

Conclusion

Deliverables:

Primary data collection, stakeholder and key informant interview

Review/Analysis on data in (Somalia Water and Land Information Management Project) SWALIM and any other available data

Record of GPS co-ordinates, water level measurements, condition of existing boreholes, usage and performance where applicable.

The implementation plan and requirements for the site investigation..

An inception report presenting the steps and methodology for the assignment against the present TOR, and justifying any difference

A brief note with the recommended sites selected for borehole reconnaissance and geophysical survey

Topographical information, geophysical information.

Preliminary Report

Presentation of the field work, interpretation and conclusions

Final Report/Recommendations to Medair and local authorities

Medair Responsibilities

Medair has international and Somali Medair staff that will be available to provide necessary information including security, stakeholders, proposed site for the borehole drilling etc.

Provide technical information to the consultant

Honor financial obligations as stipulated in the consultancy agreement.

Note that consultancy fee will be made in two instalments. 70% will be paid during and within the survey period while the final instalment of 30% will be made upon successful completion of drilling of a productive borehole.

TIMEFRAME / SCHEDULE:

Activity	Number of	Location
	days
Desk Study	4 days	Kismayo
Hydrogeological Field Work	10 days	Kismayo
Analysis of Hydrogeological and Geophysical Data	7 days	Kismayo or as desired
Final Report	7 days	Kismayo or as desired

Consultant Qualifications and requirement

We seek to invite qualified consultants/firms who meet the following requirements to submit their detailed narrative and financial proposal on how to undertake the assignment.

Technical proposal on how the assignment will be conducted including methodologies, data analyses and interpretation, reports and schedules. (Provide software to be used for analysis)

Proven technical and field experience of Consultant with a minimum of a Master’s degree in geology, hydrology, engineering geology, geophysical, or in any related field and having good experience of working in this sector.

Consultancies performed in the last 10 years especially with reference letters for each hydrogeological surveys performed

Proof of availability of all the equipment, personnel and ability to mobilize them on short notice (Include list of equipment, Brand/Manufacturer, CVs of key personnel) to perform the survey.

Submit a detailed financial proposal including all professional fees, report costs and subsistence costs.

Master’s Degree or higher in a relevant field

Experience providing Hydro-geological/Geophysical Survey

Note:

All costs must be broken down into details ( no lump sums, no contingencies etc)

The consultant/firm will be responsible for their own security; insurance while in the field and Medair will not take any liability for any injuries or damages incurred during the assignment.

Interested consulting candidates/companies to submit a detailed consulting and financial proposal on or before the 10^th January 2021. Send your proposals and CVs to programmes-som@medair.org