Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified service provider to develop a Catchment Management Strategy (CMS) for the Vaal-Orange Catchment Management Agency (VOCMA). The CMS must address water resource management issues within the catchment area, align with national strategies, and respond effectively to stakeholder needs. The strategy aims to promote sustainable, equitable, and efficient water use, incorporating stakeholder participation, water quality management, water use regulation, and institutional capacity building.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Preparation of an inception report confirming methodology, deliverables, and timelines.
• Conducting a holistic situational assessment covering biophysical, social, economic, political, and institutional characteristics of the Water Management Area (WMA).
• Developing water balance/reconciliation strategies to address water demand and availability.
• Formulating a Water Resource Protection Strategy to ensure long-term water security and sustainability.
• Designing a Water Use Regulation Strategy to define limits, constraints, and compliance mechanisms.
• Creating monitoring and information management strategies for effective data collection and evaluation.
• Engaging stakeholders through consultation plans and establishing participatory processes.
• Developing a water allocation plan and addressing international water sharing obligations.
• Formulating institutional, financial, and capacity-building strategies to support CMS implementation.
• Delivering draft and final CMS documents, stakeholder management plans, and supporting reports.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Development of a comprehensive, evidence-based CMS aligned with the National Water Resource Strategy.
• Use of best practices in water resources planning, management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Preparation of detailed situational and future scenario analyses.
• Formulation of water balance and reconciliation strategies addressing potential deficits and conservation measures.
• Design of water quality management and integrated water quality plans.
• Implementation of water use regulation, licensing, and compliance frameworks.
• Establishment of monitoring systems aligned with national information systems.
• Stakeholder consultation and participation processes, including workshops and forums.
• Preparation of implementation frameworks with clear timelines and budgets.
• Provision of capacity building and skills transfer components.

Skills Requirements

The tenderer must demonstrate the following skills and qualifications:

• Project Leadership: A study leader registered with ECSA or SACNASP, with relevant professional qualifications in environmental science, engineering, water management, or related fields.
• Technical Expertise: Proven experience in water resource management, strategy development, legislation, and water quality management.
• Water Resources Planning: Expertise in water balance, reconciliation, and integrated water management strategies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Skills in stakeholder consultation, participatory planning, and conflict resolution.
• Institutional and Financial Planning: Experience in institutional capacity assessment, organizational development, and financial strategy formulation.
• Data and Information Systems: Competence in monitoring, data analysis, GIS, remote sensing, and information management systems.
• Capacity Building: Ability to develop and implement skills transfer programs and capacity development initiatives.
• Team Composition: A multidisciplinary team with relevant qualifications and experience in water law, economics, environmental management, GIS, and social sciences.
• Experience: At least 10 years of relevant experience for key personnel, with demonstrated track record in water strategy projects and stakeholder engagement.