Nile group seeks integrated water management study of Kagera Basin

The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) invites expressions of interest from consultants to perform a feasibility study of an integrated water resources management program for the Kagera River Basin of Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. Responses are due December 18, 2009.

NBI previously invited expressions of interest by December 22 from consultants to perform feasibility studies of multi-purpose reservoirs, including hydropower, in the Kagera Basin. (HydroWorld 11/30/09) It also called for consultants to develop a Kagera River Basin Investment Strategy and proposes later to seek a feasibility study of an agriculture development program. (HydroWorld 11/16/09)

With funding from the World Bank’s Nile Basin Trust Fund, NBI plans to implement the Sio-Malaba-Malakisi Transboundary Integrated Water Resources Management and Development Project, the Mara Transboundary Integrated Water Resources and Development Project, and the Kagera Transboundary Integrated Water Resources Management Project. (HydroWorld 12/3/09)

NBI, under the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP), currently seeks a feasibility study for an integrated watershed management program to focus on wetlands management, agro-forestry, and water quality management. NELSAP said the Kagera Basin is characterized by low productive peasant agriculture that has caused endemic poverty, land degradation and loss of soil fertility caused by population pressure, and extensive deforestation.

Expressions of interest and qualifications, in English, are due by 10 a.m. December 18 to the address below. Submissions are to be labeled “Expression of Interest for Consultancy Services for Feasibility Study for an Integrated Watershed Management Program for the Kagera River Basin.” A short-list of firms will be invited to submit bids.

For information, contact Project Manager, Project Management Unit, Kagera River Basin Management Project, 2nd Floor, Inyota House (next to British Embassy), Boulevard de l’Umuganda, Kacyiru, P.O. Box 7054, Kigali, Rwanda; (250) 252-580120; Fax: (250) 252-580099; E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]; Internet: www.nilebasin.org/nelsap.