International Dam Design and Construction Specialist for Kajaki Phase II PTAP member

About National Water Affairs Regulation Authority

In accordance with the Decree 36 of the presidential office of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in view of national politics and strategy of the country during 1398, the National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NWARA) has been established from one existing ministry: Ministry of Energy and Water

The Government of Afghanistan has identified the rehabilitation and expansion of the country's physical infrastructure as one of its highest priorities for the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan. As part of the basic economic infrastructure of the country, the water sector occupies special prominence in the Government's development plans. Several major Water sector projects, funded by the National Development Budget and by international financial institutions and donors, are presently under implementation and planning under the general oversight of the National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NWARA).

Given the technical complexity of the Water sector and the particular demands posed by the coordination of the projects that are being funded by various sources, the NWARA assists its administration that will be based in Kabul and will reinforce NWARA in its internal and external activities and projects smoothness and speediness in fulfilling its obligations for water sector development

Job Summary

The Kajaki Dam is a rock-fill dam, located on the Helmand River at latitude 32° 19' 20″ North, longitude 65° 07' 10″ East; (32.323N, 65.119E), in Kajaki District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan about 90 km northwest of Kandahar. The dam is considered a high priority for ensuring adequacy of water resources for irrigation development and Power generation in the target area.

Kajaki Dam was originally planned to be built in phases. The initial phase of construction objective was to provide water storage for irrigating the Helmand Valley and was completed in 1953 by American firm Morrison-Knudsen on contract for Afghanistan’s then royal government. The powerhouse which constructed during this phase, had a total installed capacity of 51.5 MW. Out of three turbines, two 16.5 MW turbines were installed by USAID in 1975, along with 110 Kilo-volt (kV) transmission lines and substations that distributed the generated energy to the region. In 1975 the 33 MW powerhouse was completed and hydropower generation became an important function Installation of unit 3 with 18.5MW capacity was only completed in 2016. Spillway gates were not included in this initial phase and therefore the dam was left limited in its ability to regulate flood flows and provide flood reduction benefits.

The objectives of Kajaki Dam are: i) for irrigation water storage, ii) generation of hydroelectric power, and iii) water supply to the Helmand Valley. The service spillway gates are currently not installed, which limits the dam in its ability to generate more power and regulate flood flows due to the fact that the spillway is uncontrolled. Water from Kajaki Dam has a vital role for domestic water supply in an indirect way by recharging the shallow aquifers along the river and irrigation networks. \

Under the planned Phase II, GoIRA is planning to complete the installation of spillway gates will allow Kajaki dam to regulate flood flow as well as provide additional irrigation and hydropower benefits to the Helmand Valley. Phase II also increase the generation capacity of the dam to 151.5 MW by constructing a new powerhouse next to the old powerhouse.

Duties & Responsibilities

Based on the signed agreements (Implementation Agreement & Power Purchase Agreement) between the Government of Afghanistan and 77 Construction USA Corporation in 2018 and a recent changes in project implementation approach, which was accepted by High Economic Council (HEC) on later 2019, the implementation of the Phase II project is now planned in two new phases, as follow:

1.        In the Phase 1 of the project, 77-Construction is responsible for increasing the capacity of the Dam by constructing an additional powerhouse with three units and total 100 MW of the installed capacity, next to the existing 51 MW powerhouse. The three units (each of 33.3 MW) are planned to be installed with the existing water reservoir normal operation level of 1033.5 m. Moreover, the raising of dam height by freeboard parapet wall will be done in this Phase.

2.        In the Phase 2, the normal operation level of the water reservoir will be increased from 1033.50 m to 1045 m by placing of radial gates on service spillway.

Detailed Scope of Phase 1:

•          Construction of Camp Facilitates.

•          Construction of Downstream Cofferdam.

•          Fabrication and Installation of Penstock.

•          Construction of a New Powerhouse next to the existing, with 100M installed capacity included (3 x 33.33=100) Power Generating Units.

•          Construction of Switchyard.

•          Construction of Emergency Spillway.

•          Supply and installation of Electro Mechanic Equipment.

•          Construction of Parapet Wall on Crest of Dam Body.

The implementation of Phase 1 will complete on February 2022, as per contract schedule.

Detailed Scope of Phase 2:

The Phase 2 of the project will be implemented in 18 months which is to increase the normal operation level of water reservoir from 1033.50 m.a.s.l. to 1045 m.a.s.l. by placing radial gates on service spillway and will be completed in two parts:

Part A

•          Completion of civil and structural works of service spillway.

•          Fabrication and supply of Radial gates to project site.

Part A will be started after the completion of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) & Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), hence the issuing of a legal permission or notice to proceed is required for the commencement of practical work.

Part B

•          Installation of Radial Gates, increasing of existing Normal Operation Level of reservoir from 1033.5 M to 1045 m a.s.l.

Part B will only be started after the completion of government actions in terms of the implementation of Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the Project Affected People (PAP) impacted by the increased dam level., which are required before the extension of water reservoir and in accordance to the final reports of ESIA & RAP. The commencement of work will require need a legal permission or notice to proceed. The completion of Phase 2 Part A,. is expected to take 12 months and Part B 6 months, as per contract schedules.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INTERNATIONAL PANEL OF EXPERTS (IPE)

Pursuant to the World Bank guidelines and policies the National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NWARA) of the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GoIRA) intends to establish an independent International Panel of Experts (IPE).

The objective of the IPE is to review and advise on matter related to dam safety, aspects relevant to environmental and social assessment of the project and other critical aspects of the dam and the area surrounding the reservoir and provide advice to the Project Management Team (PMT), such that each activity and assignment of the project is designed and completed in accordance international dam standards, within proposed investment cost and time frame and in full compliance with the WB rules and regulations and applicable Employer’s acts, rules and regulations.

The NWARA seeks services of six individual international experts covering the areas of (1) Dam Designs and Construction Engineering for which this TOR is presented, (2) Hydrology / Hydraulic Engineering (3) Geology and Geotechnical Engineering, (4) Hydro / Electro Mechanical Engineering, (5) Environmental Safeguard and (6) Social Safeguard. First four members will compose the project technical advisor panel (PTAP), and the last two members will compose the environmental and social advisory panel (ESAP).

SCOPE OF WORK

Primarily, the scope of the work will cover the technical, environmental and social components of Phase 1 and 2 of Kajaki Hydro Power Dam. When the IPE members reviews and makes assessment of main technical contents, it should not re-visit the overall scope of the project, general parameters and financial and economic feasibilities.

The IPE members are required to collect site related information, to familiarize with the site conditions, scope of works, and skill assessment of the operator staff. It will then undertake safety and safeguard evaluation for the assignment. The owner staff will provide all required information, data and logistical assistance to the consultant. Site visit(s) may be agreed but it is not mandatory and it shall be freely agreed by each IPE member.

Composition of the International Panel of Experts (IPE)

IPE will consist of two group of experts, Project Technical Advisory Panel (PTAP) and Environmental and Social Advisory Panel (ESAP), and includes international experts of various expertise areas. The Panels will consist of six permanent members covering the areas of (1) Dam Designs and Construction Engineering, (2) Hydrology / Hydraulic Engineering (3) Geology and Geotechnical Engineering, (4) Hydro / Electro-Mechanical Engineering, (5) Environmental Safeguard and (6) Social Safeguard. 

A member of PTAP will be selected by the other members to serve as Chairperson of the IPE and PTAP Panels (the natural candidate is the International Dam Design and Construction Specialist). The Chairperson will be responsible for coordinating activities of the IPE, mobilizing experts needed for the assignment in each working mission, finalizing reports, presiding at meetings, making final decisions and be responsible to the PTAP.

One among the two members of the ESAP will be appointed Chairman of ESAP.

Members of PTAP and ESAP are expected to work closely in order to minimize the constraints of this assignment.

Project Technical Advisory Panel (PTAP)

The primary objective of the PTAP is to provide an independent and high-level technical evaluation of the safety of the dam and optimization of power generation and more storage of water for Kajaki Project, and to propose solutions to improve safety of the dams and its associated structures to the acceptable safety standard corresponding to international practices.

NWARA /PMT will provide PTAP with documents, information and data required for safety review in coordination with the Project Company / Contractors and supervisory consultant. The PTAP will review and assess all relevant technical / safety related aspects of the project.

If freely agreed by the experts, conducting detailed field inspection of the dam and associated structures, such as dam body, assessment of existing service spillway, emergency spillway, existing power plant, new power plant, outlet structures and gates/valves, control / monitoring instruments, etc. 

The main tasks of the PTAP will include the following:

1. Provide NWARA/PMT with assessment of the safety condition of the Kajaki Hydro Power Dam and its appurtenant structures in accordance with the international and national standards as well as the World Bank, OP / BP 4.37 for dam safety;
2. Make periodic, comprehensive and independent reviews of project design documents, and dam safety aspects plans, schedules, instrumentation and monitoring reports, supervision / site investigation reports, and specific technical assessments related to dam engineering, geotechnical, hydraulic, operation and maintenance and other aspects;
3. Review and provide recommendation to improve the legal and administrative procedures and guidelines for managing, monitoring and reporting on the functions of the reservoir as well as the operation manual of the owner and operator of the reservoir as it can have potential greater positive or negative impacts on the dam overall safety and security.
4. Assess the potential risks and hazards due to potential failure of the dam to local communities and assets, including assets to be financed as part of this project; and
5. Prepare mission report following every mission covering dam safety status including any safety issues and recommendation of remedial measures along with preliminary cost estimates.

Power Plant Review

• Reviewing the design reports, drawings, construction supervision reports, as well as dam safety audit reports and post-event inspection reports if any.
• Review construction records, and recent operation and maintenance records, including instrumentation data.
• Reviewing the O&M Manual, organizational structure, staff capacity, and training needs.
• Meeting with the representatives and technical staff of the dam owner/operator to discuss safety condition of the dam and operation & maintenance procedures.
• Using a standard check list to check the safety level of the dam and associated existing structures and new proposed as well, along with the level of urgency and priority for remedial works.

Dam and Hydrology Review

• Review the flood hydrology and design flood (10,000 years, PMF, etc.), reservoir routing and spillway sizing, considering the present conditions of the catchment and reservoir silting. Examine spillway operation records and evaluate the adequacy of the capacity of the spillway.
• Review the upstream catchment and reservoir rim conditions in regard to formation of landslide or ice dams (glacier) and handling of floods and waving factors caused by such events.
• Review the hydraulic design and condition of the service spillway and emergency spillway, including gates and electrical / mechanical parts, as well as energy dissipating arrangements and downstream conditions. 
• Review engineering analyses (geotechnical, structural or hydraulic) to assess the safety conditions of the dam and associated structures.
• Review stability analysis of the dam and associated structures, including factors of safety for normal, unusual and extreme loading conditions, and using internationally acceptable method.
• Review the seismic hazard of the dam area and adequacy of loading criteria/ conditions used for design of the dam.
• Review the seepage condition and analysis of the dam body, foundation and abutments to check the effectiveness of foundation treatment and seepage control measures.
• Reviewing the design and condition of dam monitoring instruments and quality of data collection, storage and analysis.
• Reviewing the data and records of the dam monitoring instruments from the beginning of the operation to date, and checking trends and anomalies if any.
• Review the design and conditions of the intake and outlet works, including the capacity for emergency reservoir drawdown, sediment handling capability, selective thermal releases, regulation range and other factors, etc.
• Review the catchment conditions, silting level of the dam reservoir, sediment deposit volume, and condition of sediment flushing facility if any and providing TORs for bathymetric survey as required.
• Review the downstream hazards, such as industrial/commercial/agriculture areas, approximate number of communities and houses, infrastructures (roads, railroads, etc.) that can be flooded by potential failure of the dam, and providing TORs for detailed dam break and flooding analysis as required

Recommendation of Remedial Measures (if any) and Optimization of Power Generation

Review the Dam Safety Report, summarizing its findings and recommendations on dam safety along with urgency and priority levels (as for Phase 1 & 2) also provide suggestion and feedback.

Recommending additional field survey, investigation, and tests if required.

Recommending required remedial measures for ensuring the safety of the dam and associated structures if any along with priority levels (immediate, mid-term, and long-term) as well as conceptual design and preliminary cost estimates.

Recommending a set of suitable sedimentation management measures including catchment management, check dams, hydraulic suction/dredging, sediment flushing/sluicing measures, etc. if required.

Review TORs for detailed design of remedial works and construction supervision as well as the consultancy’s estimated budget and duration as required.

Review the engineering designs and cost estimates for the proposed activities of mention components rest on Kajaki Hydro Power Existing and New Plants.

Recommending on the upgrading needs for the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Plan and Emergency Preparedness Plan, and if not available, provide the framework of those plans along with useful samples and formats.

Job Requirements

Required Expertise, Experience and TENTATIVE input

IPE tentative input along an initial period of two years is the following (in the contract “weeks” will be converted in days):

1. International Dam Design and Construction Specialist         8 Weeks and 4 Missions

Required Expertise and Experience

The PTAP experts should meet the requirements as below.

Expert                                                                                         

International Dam Designs and Construction Specialist               

Requirements

• Having worked as an expert in designing, construction and rehabilitation of large rock-fill and earth dams. Intensive knowledge and experience in rock-fill/earth dam design and construction arrangement, procedure and quality control.
• Intensive experience in preparing construction plan and schedule for large-scale or complex works including concrete and earth dams.
• Knowledge of seismic analysis and design of structures which are vulnerable to earthquake.
• Knowledge of analyzing monitoring data collected during the construction and operation phases.
• Master’s or Bachelor degree, fluent in English and a minimum of 20 years of work experience in his professional areas.                               

Services to be provided by the Client

NWARA /PMT will provide counterpart staff to work closely with the IPE, to liaise with the consultant, respond to questions, supply unpublished information and reports, and assist with logistics. NWARA /PMT will provide all documentation and in-house data related to the project. It will also assist the consultant with contacts and other relevant stakeholders.

The office space (within the secured NWARA /PMT premises), coordination and package of required materials among each mission will be provided by NWARA /PMT as well as transportation from / to Kabul airport and from the hotel to the office and vice versa. NWARA /PMT will inform the panel of the most secured hotel / accommodation options and help in booking.

The contract will list air-ticket for traveling between home-country and Afghanistan flights, hotel / accommodation, per diem, abroad taxi transportation, VISA related costs and other reimbursable that will be reimbursed by NWARA.

The contract will also specify applicable taxes.

Submission Guideline

National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NWARA) now invites eligible applicants to express their interest in providing the services. Interested applicants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualification, relevant experience and capability to perform the services. 

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph GUIDELINES SELECTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF CONSULTANTS UNDER IBRD LOANS AND IDA CREDITS & GRANTS BY WORLD BANK BORROWERS January 2011 Revised July 2014. In addition, please refer to the following information on conflict of interest related to this assignment as per paragraph 1.9 available at www.worldbank.org/. 

Applicants are requested to submit their interest letter along with up to date CV (Curriculum Vitae) no later than 03 February 2021. The subject line of the letter should clearly indicate “Expression of Interest for the position of “International Social Safeguard Specialist (For the NWARA Kajaki Project Management Team (PMT)” and send to the following address:

vacancies.nwara@gmail.com

Functional Area

Engineering

Countries

Submission Email

vacancies.nwara@gmail.com

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