Develop climate resilient water supply infrastructure to improve access to clean water for care seekers in health care facilitiesDevelop climate resilient water supply infrastructure to improve access to clean water for care seekers in health care facilities

TERM OF REFERENCE (ToR)

A.         BACKGROUND

Access to safe and sustainable water is a cornerstone of effective healthcare delivery, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected regions like Gedo in southern Somalia. Health facilities in this region consistently struggle with inadequate water supply, which severely undermines their capacity to provide quality services. Water scarcity affects infection prevention and control (IPC), compromises maternal and neonatal care, limits the hygiene and sanitation standards of staff and patients, and increases the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks within health facilities. The Gedo region, comprising the districts of Dolow, Beled-hawa, Garbaharey, and Luuq, faces unique challenges due to its geographic remoteness, fragile infrastructure, and exposure to climate extremes such as drought, erratic rainfall and lack of proper water infrastructure. These factors contribute to chronic water insecurity, further compounded by population displacement, overstretched social services, and limited government resources. Health centers are often left without any reliable source of water, relying on costly water trucking or unsafe surface water sources, both of which are unsustainable. Recognizing the urgent need to build resilience in the health system through improved water infrastructure, the Better Lives Programme, WASH in health facilities was designed to provide lasting, climate-adaptive water solutions. The initiative is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), supported technically by UNICEF, and implemented by the Jubaland Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and local district authorities. The project will implement water system development initiatives, including rainwater harvesting systems and the drilling of three boreholes, to ensure sustainable water access for 11 health facilities across the districts of Dolow, Beled-hawa, Garbaharey, and Luuq in the Gedo region. These interventions aim to meet the immediate water needs while enhancing the long-term sustainability of healthcare service delivery. The three boreholes, each ranging from 30 to 40 meters deep, will be drilled along the Dawa and Juba river basins, in locations with groundwater potential supported by aquifers recharged by the rivers. A comprehensive hydrogeological assessment will be conducted prior to drilling to ensure proper siting and maximize water yield and quality. This scientific approach is intended to enhance the sustainability and reliability of the water supply for the selected health facilities. By utilizing climate-resilient water sources, including harvested rainwater and groundwater, the project contributes to reducing dependence on seasonal or externally supplied water and builds long-term resilience in health service delivery. In parallel, the project will strengthen local capacity in the operation and maintenance of WASH infrastructure to ensure continued functionality.

Jubaland Ministry of Energy and Water Resources invites bids for the provision of the following services: