Consultancy to Conduct Ground Water Assessment, Borehole Drilling, Design and Installation of Solar Powered Pumping System

Terms of Reference

Consultancy to conduct groundwater assessment, borehole drilling, design and installation of solar powered pumping system for existing gravity fed irrigation scheme under the Sustainable Production, Economic Growth, Accountability and Resilience (SPEAR) Programme in TA Kaphuka in Dedza District.

Introduction

Self-Help Africa (SHA) Malawi is an international non-governmental organisation working to create opportunities for lasting improvement in peoples’ lives. We work in partnership with others to support a range of livelihoods and food security, WASH and health, sustainable energy and gender equality programmes reaching over 1 million people a year across Malawi. Globally, we work in 16 countries across Africa, Asia, and South America. In Malawi, SHA currently operates in 17 districts, supporting 23 on-going projects, and comprising 180 team members. We remain committed to our ambition to move ‘Beyond Aid’ in line with The Government of Malawi’s efforts to progress towards a self-reliant Malawi.

With funding from Irish Aid, SHA is implementing a five-year programme called Sustainable Production, Economic growth, Accountability and Resilience (SPEAR). The programme takes an ambitious path with a tailored package of interventions aimed at moving 35,000 households beyond food security and subsistence farming, lifting their sights to growth and scale at cooperative level. Overall, the objective of the programme is to contribute towards agricultural productivity and commercialization in the government of Malawi’s vision 2063 to become a self-reliant nation. The specific objective is to increase food and income security for those most vulnerable to climate change. The project has three outcome areas namely 1] Equitable and inclusive food systems to support availability, access and consumption of safe nutritious food, 2] Equitable and inclusive stewardship of natural resources to support livelihoods and healthy ecosystems, and 3] women and girls have agency (Voice, Choice, and Control) over decisions in their lives and their communities (focusing on nutrition, health, climate adaptation, income, security and well-being). The Project is implemented in Dedza district particularly in Traditional Authorities of Chauma and Kaphuka.

One of the interventions being implemented is irrigation development through the construction of small-scale gravity-based systems. Over the years, the programme has faced challenges because of depletion of water sources for irrigation due to catchment degradation, over abstraction and climate change, threatening the sustainability of the irrigation schemes. As a result, farmers have experienced lower returns, which runs counter to the programme’s objectives. To deal with the challenge, the programme has planned to turn one of the schemes where there are critical water challenges into hybrid system through solar powered irrigation system. Therefore, the programme is looking for a consultant to carry out geophysical surveys for groundwater availability, borehole drilling, design and installation   of solar powered irrigation systems.

 Purpose

The objective of this consultancy is to conduct geophysical surveys for ground water availability, borehole drilling, design and carry out the installation of a solar powered pumping system for sustainable groundwater use in one of the existing gravity fed irrigation schemes listed in table 1. The consultant will provide recommendations on where ground water can be developed to supplement the existing water sources, optimize water management practices, and ensure long-term sustainability.

Table 1: List of Irrigation schemes (in ascending order).

ID NO. NAME OF THE SCHEME District/TA AREA (HA) NO. OF FARMERS EASTING NORTHING
1 Kasandama Dedza T/A Kaphuka 26 206 E 63,15,57 N84,29,47
2 Mwasadzu Dedza T/A Kaphuka 25 125 E 62,61,66 N84,21,022
3 Mathilirano Dedza T/A Kaphuka 25 67 E 63,41,25 N 84,09,74
  1. Objectives

The key objectives of this assignment are to:

  1. Assess the quantity and quality of groundwater resources available for irrigation development and recommend one site for irrigation development
  2. Design the solar powered pumping system based on assessment results and existing irrigation
  3. Install a reliable solar-powered irrigation system for each developed borehole in the scheme.
  1. How to apply
  1. All eligible and interested bidders are advised to request for a set of bid document by emailing mw@selfhelpafrica.org
  2. All eligible suppliers who have valid business license with traceable offices and fulfills the requirements can send the bid documents by uploading the electronic documents in a link provided below.
  3. Bidders should submit their offers which should include delivery terms and bid validity.
  4. The TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR CONTRACTS FOR PROCUREMENT OF GOODS – SELF HELP AFRICA (SHA)_JAN 2023 will be applicable. These terms and conditions will be shared with the successful bidder for their review and signature.
  5. Kindly utilize this provided box link to upload electronic copies of your bid application. https://gsha.app.box.com/f/2fa0eb8ca42942a298ec1fddfb7ccda0
  6. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to send an email to mw@selfhelpafrica.org

Alternatively, proposals may be submitted in sealed envelopes by hand, clearly labeled “CONSULTANCY TO CONDUCT GROUND WATER ASSESSMENT” and delivered no later than 17th June, 2025. to the Self-Help Africa (SHA) Country Office in Lilongwe. Submissions should be addressed to: The Procurement and Logistics Manager, Self Help Africa, City Centre, Mwai House (Same building as Centenary Bank), Next to Anamwino House, Private Bag B-495, Lilongwe.

 Closing date of receiving bid submission is 17th June, 2025.

Note: Self Help Africa is not bound to accept the lowest or any other bid. All bids will be evaluated in accordance with SHA Procurement guidelines as well as the requirements for this Invitation to bids. Bids will be evaluated on the basis of compliance with technical specifications, delivery period, price and discounts offered (if any). Self Help Africa takes the safety and well-being of all those we work with, very seriously. We have a zero-tolerance policy on abuse. Our recruitment is safe, meaning that we recruit contractors with the highest values and standards of ethical behavior.

Post expires at 11:59pm on Tuesday June 17th, 2025