Government of Lesotho
Tender Notice
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Department of Water Affairs
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
Groundwater Hydrocensus in Lesotho (Lot 1)
Introduction
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) through its Department of Water Affairs received funds from Government of Lesotho to procure consultant for the execution of a Groundwater Hydro-census activity nationwide, (Lot1) and River Longitudinal profile and Cross-Sectional Surveys, River Ratings within the three main Catchments. (Lot2) and Community and Stakeholder Engagement in areas around Wetland Areas and Natural Springs Declared as Protected Water Resources .(Lot 3)
Therefore invites qualified and experienced consultancy firms to submit their proposal for the execution of a Groundwater Hydrocensus activity nationwide and River Longitudinal profile and Cross-Sectional Surveys, and River Ratings within the three main Catchments.
Scope of Work for Groundwater Hydro-census activity
The scope of work includes identification, verification, characterization and capturing groundwater monitoring points (boreholes and springs) and individuals geolocation. SECTION B: Objectives This project aims to: – Collect and update information on groundwater sources. – Establish a comprehensive digital registry of all identified groundwater point
Objectives
This project aims to: – Collect and update information on groundwater sources. – Establish a comprehensive digital registry of all identified groundwater points. – Support planning for groundwater monitoring and management
Scope of Work
The successful bidder will be expected to undertake the following:
- . Desktop Review and Preparation – Review existing hydrogeological maps, borehole data, and spring inventories. – Identify target areas for field verification and census.
- . Field Data Collection (Hydrocensus) Locate and verify existing groundwater sources: – Boreholes (equipped/unequipped) – Springs (protected/unprotected) – Groundwater monitoring points (e.g., piezometers) – Record GPS coordinates (in decimal degrees), physical characteristics, spring yield tests (where possible), usage type, status (functional/nonfunctional), and ownership. – Conduct basic water quality testing insitu water quality testing. – Water sample collection for analysis at DWA laboratory
- . Community and Stakeholder Engagement – The consultant is expected to work with all Local Authorities/Community Councils during the execution of the project. – Ensure community knowledge of water resources management is incorporated.
- (iv). Database Development and Integration – Design and populate a geospatial database (compatible with the existing systems) and maps – Submit data in formats agreed upon (e.g. shapefiles, etc.)
River Longitudinal profile and Cross-Sectional Surveys, and River Ratings within the three main Catchments. (Lot2)
Objectives of the Assignment
The main objective of this consultancy is to conduct detailed hydrometric surveys, develop updated cross-sectional and longitudinal profiles of selected rivers, and generate reliable river rating curves to improve discharge estimation at excising gauging stations as well as for proposed gauging sites.
Scope of Work
The consultancy will undertake the following tasks:
3.1 Preliminary Assessment and Planning
3.1.1Review existing hydrological data, station records, and previous survey reports.
3.1.2 Select Priority Rivers and stations in collaboration with DWA.
3.2Field Surveys
3.2.1 Conduct cross-sectional surveys at each selected gauging station using standard
equipment (e.g., Total Station, Real-Time Kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK-
GPS), and Acoustic Doppler Current Profile (ADCP)).
3.2.2 Perform longitudinal surveys covering approximately 1–2 km upstream and
downstream from the station to capture reach variability.
3.2.3 Identify hydraulic controls, floodplain characteristics, and obstructions.
3.3 River Rating Development
3.3.1 Conduct manual discharge measurements at different flow levels where possible.
3.3.2 Compile historical stage-discharge data for curve fitting.
3.3.3 Develop or revise rating curves using appropriate hydraulic and statistical methods
(e.g., power law regression, Manning’s equation, HEC-RAS modelling).
3.4 Capacity Building
3.4.1 Provide training to DWA staff on hydrometric survey techniques and rating curve development.
3.4.2 Prepare simplified field protocols and survey manuals.
3.5 Reporting
3.5.1 Submit a comprehensive technical report with:
3.5.1.1.1 Survey data (coordinates, elevations, river profiles)
and Community and Stakeholder Engagement in areas around Wetland Areas and Natural Springs Declared as Protected Water Resources .Lot 3
Background
The Government of Lesotho, through the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) in the Ministry of Natural Resources, is implementing measures to protect key water resources by declaring them as protected water resources areas under national water and environmental legislation. These efforts aim to ensure water security, preserve ecosystem integrity, and align with national and international commitments
Effective and inclusive stakeholder consultation is critical for the success of these initiatives. The Department seeks the services of a qualified individual consultant to conduct community and stakeholder consultations around these protected water sources to raise awareness, gather inputs, and secure community ownership.
Detailed Specifications and Terms of Reference are found in the RFQ document.
Interested firms must provide all necessary information and credentials including, technical and financial Proposals , More details about this RFP will be found in the Terms of Reference.
Applications may be addressed to;
The Procurement Unit, Ministry of Natural Resources, Bokamoso Business Suit, Orpen Road, and Opposite Centre for Accounting Studies Maseru.
Tel: 27325160
Terms of Reference Issuance and Submission
The Terms of Reference document is issued on the 08 August 2025, and closes on the 17 September 2025 at 10:00am. The closing date for collecting document is Friday 8 September 2025, at 4:00pm. To register for this RFP, Consultancy Firms have to pay a non-refundable fee of M500 to Department of Water (DWA), Accounts Office from Friday 08 August, 2025 until Monday 8 September, 2025. The method of payment is cash. Consultancy firms must produce the receipt obtained from accounts section, to procurement Unit at the (DWA) in order to receive the documents.
The MNR therefore invites competent consultancy firms to compete for this RFP.
RFP Opening
RFP documents will be opened by the Ministry of Natural Resources Procurement Committee on the 17 September, 2025 at 10:30am in the presence of bidders or their representatives who wish to attend at the following address: Ministry of Natural Resources, Bokamoso House, Orpen Road, and Opposite Centre for Accounting Studies Maseru
Clarifications and Contacts
All questions and clarifications relating to this RFP should be directed to The Procurement Unit, Ministry of Natural Resources, Bokamoso House, Orpen Road, and Opposite Centre for Accounting Studies Maseru. Tel: 27325160
Summary
- Therefore invites qualified and experienced consultancy firms to submit their proposal for the execution of a Groundwater Hydrocensus activity nationwide and River Longitudinal profile and Cross-Sectional Surveys, and River Ratings within the three main Catchments.
- Database Development and Integration – Design and populate a geospatial database (compatible with the existing systems) and maps – Submit data in formats agreed upon (e.
- The main objective of this consultancy is to conduct detailed hydrometric surveys, develop updated cross-sectional and longitudinal profiles of selected rivers, and generate reliable river rating curves to improve discharge estimation at excising gauging stations as well as for proposed gauging sites.
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