LILONGWE, Malawi 11/11/11 (PennWell) -- The government of Malawi has named W.S. Atkins International Ltd. to help develop a framework and tools to advance a multi-purpose water infrastructure investment strategy in Malawi.

The government recruited consultants for the work in 2010.

Atkins, of the United Kingdom, was chosen from among six bidders for a contract totaling US$340,000.

The consultant is to develop a viable framework and tools for economically, technically, environmentally, and socially attractive multi-purpose infrastructure investments in water resources, linking closely with Malawi's Water Resources Investment Strategy. Specific objectives include conducting awareness raising and capacity strengthening activities within the irrigation ministry and other key ministries, private investors, and key water users about options for multi-purpose investments.

Another objective is to develop an investment framework with criteria for evaluation and issues for negotiation, milestones, and tools for identification, preparation, options analysis, financing, implementation and management of large multi-purpose infrastructure.

Malawi received funds from the World Bank's International Development Agency for its Second National Water Development Program coordinated by the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development. The ministry has said it is looking at multi-purpose dam construction on the Songwe, North Rukuru, Kasitu, Bua, Shire, and Ruo rivers.