Nile Equatorial Lakes states Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania invite applications for pre-qualification from consultants to develop communications and anti-corruption strategies for the proposed 61.5-MW Rusumo Falls hydroelectric project on the Kagera River. Responses to separate solicitations are due August 28, 2009.
The Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP) of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) called for bids in late 2008 for construction of Rusumo Falls and a transmission system to connect the project with the three countries. (HydroWorld 12/29/08)
Feasibility studies for the project already are under way. NBI hired Norconsult and SWECO of Norway and Sweden to design the project at a cost of US$8.2 million.
The three governments plan to develop the generating facilities through a public-private partnership consisting of a long-term contract with a private sector partner for construction and operation of the hydro plant at Rusumo Falls on the Kagera, which forms the border between Rwanda and Tanzania. Public financing is to be used for the transmission lines.
In the first of two solicitations, NELSAP invites expressions of interest for consultant services to develop a communications strategy that is to identify international, national, regional, and local stakeholders in the project, define their information needs, and devise action plans. The consultant also is to develop a plan for communication with the international financing and lending community.
In the second solicitation, NELSAP seeks consultant services to analyze existing anti-corruption policies within NBI and NELSAP; define corruption, fraud, abuse of office, and mismanagement; and provide suggestions to minimize corruption and promote ethical behavior in connection with project development.
Expressions of interest for both solicitations are due by August 28 to the address below. For information, contact Project Manager Deogratias Mbesherubusa, Regional Rusumo Falls Project (RRFP), Nile Basin Initiative - NELSAP, i NYOTA House Second Floor, P.O. Box 6759, Kigali, Rwanda; (250) 78-8305195; Fax: (250) 252-580100; E-mail: nelcu@nilebasin.org; Internet: www.nilebasin.org/nelsap.
