1.0 Introduction
1.1 Project Background
Oxfam and five WRP Consortium partners (Practical Action, Concern Worldwide, Sanergy, BBC Media, Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor WSUP) have been contracted by DFID to fast track the attainment of Target 7C of Goal 7 of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation under the WASH Results Programme (WRP). This programme focuses across the three largest arid and semi-arid counties of Northern Kenya (Turkana, Marsabit and Wajir) and at least three informal settlements (slums) of Nairobi (Dandora, Kawangare and Mukuru).
Under this project, Oxfam and the other WRP consortium partners, continue to work closely with county governments and water service providers in the design and implementation of infrastructural works as well as strengthening the capacity the water services providers to be able to sustainably operate and manage their water utilities. It is for this objective that Oxfam has partnered with Turkana County Government to improve access to water and sanitation services in select communities within Turkana County. This will include areas served by registered Water Users Associations (WUAs) as well as Water Service Providers (WSPs) i.e. Lodwar Water and Sewerage Company (LOWASCO) and Kakuma Water Service Providers (KAWASEPRO).
1.2 LOWASCO Background
Lodwar Water and Sanitation Company Ltd (LOWASCO) is a corporate entity that was established in 2007under the Companies Act, Cap 286 Laws of Kenya. The core business of LOWASCO is the provision of efficient and affordable water and sanitation services to the residents of its area of jurisdiction as defined in the Service Provision Agreement (SPA).
The governance and leadership of LOWASCO is entrusted to the Board of Directors headed by the Chairman and 7 Committee Members.
In summary:
· LOWASCO serves approximately 120,000 in Lodwar town and its environs.
· The Company has 9 No boreholes located along River Turkwel, the boreholes are either electrically or solar powered.
· Production is on average 100,000m3/month which is below the demand which is approximated to be 250,000m3/month.
· LOWASCO has 1,500m3 of storage
· The reticulation system has approximately 170km of pipeline ranging from 32mm to 110mm both GI and uPVC.
· The reticulation system is divided into two zones and 8 sub-zones.
· It has 32 water kiosks and 6,500 Individual Connections (ICs). Only 28 kiosks are functioning at the moment.
· LOWASCO serves both the commercial customers and institutions besides the ICs.
· It has 43 permanent staffs and 29 employed on casual basis.
· Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is on average 40%.
2.0 Objective of the Assignment
The aim of these ToRs is to engage services of a qualified consultant to install and operationalise a computerised billing system for LOWASCO, and in addition, capacity build LOWASCO staff for accurate, timely and cost efficient billing of customers.
3.0 Key Tasks and the Approach
It is expected that the approach adopted will include:
a) An initial in-depth assessment of LOWASCO’s current billing approach, existing billing infrastructure and staff capacity to identify strengths and weaknesses. Thereafter, the consultant shall provide a brief findings report that include recommendations on the priority support areas key to operationalise computerised billing in LOWASCO.
b) Provide and Install a licensed software, test to ensure complete functionality and network access by all LOWASCO computers/staff responsible for billing and reporting/M&E. References of where software has been installed and is functional should be given.
c) Provide tailor made training to LOWASCO staff (based on individual JD/roles and responsibilities) on how to effectively use the billing software, update, set up information and troubleshoot in case of future technical hitches.
d) Immediately following point (C) above, provide ongoing/staggered support to billing team of LOWASCO on any arising issues in the course of their day to day usage of the installed billed software.
4.0 Key Deliverables
a) A brief findings report with recommendations on pre-conditions key for effective and efficient billing of LOWASCO customers
b) A Billing software (indicate make, cost and operating license fees), installed and functional in all billing computers as advised by LOWASCO.
c) LOWASCO staff training on software utilisation.
d) Staged on-site support through visits, to address any emerging issues.
e) Final Assignment report.
5.0 Assignment Duration
The duration of the assignment shall be a maximum of 15 working days, to be delivered by the 31st October 2016.
6.0 Budget
Interested Consultants are encouraged to submit a proposal with the budget required to undertake this assignment in the most efficient manner to produce a high quality product. The budget should cover the professional fees required to undertake the assignment and the cost of supply and installation of the billing software. The budget should exclude field costs (travel, meals and accommodation costs) which shall be provided by Oxfam.
Proposals will be evaluated based on both their technical merit and price competitiveness.
7.0 Monitoring and Reporting
The consultant will work closely with Oxfam WASH Advocacy manager and the Public Health Team Leader.
S/he will report to the responsible Oxfam WASH Advisor.
8.0 Qualifications
Individual consultants or firms are eligible to submit their proposals for this assignment. They should demonstrate the following minimum qualifications in order to be eligible for this assignment:
o An advanced degree in a field relevant to water services management;
o Over 6 years of experience in the Kenya Water Sector;
o Strong knowledge of the Kenya water services delivery sector institutions and roles, policies and current agenda;
o Experience in providing billing services/advice to WSPs in Kenya;
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
HOW TO APPLY:
Kindly submit applications via email to: hecaconsultancy@oxfam.org.uk by COB 29th August 2016, 4pmindicating on the subject line ‘ROLL-OUT OF AN AUTOMATED CUSTOMER BILLING SOFTWARE’
Applications must include the following:
a) Technical Proposal detailing the approach and workplan
b) Financial Proposal
c) A Curriculum Vitae of no more than 4 pages
