Terms of Reference: Rehabilitation of a Spillway for Mchoka Dam in Nsaru, Lilongwe

Project Background

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has established a Matching Grant Fund (MGF) to catalyse enhanced productivity and exports of macadamia and mango in terms of volume and value. The MGF is under the Malawi Trade and Investment Programme (MTIP), a five-year FCDO-funded initiative which aims to break Malawi’s cycle of low growth through driving exports. Specifically, the fund is targeted at; i) macadamia and mango mid-sized farms (MSF) with landholding from 3 to 40 ha with existing or planned export partnerships through off-takers; and ii) smallholder farmer (SHF) cooperative organisations involved in macadamia and mango production, with existing or planned export partnerships through off-takers.

Assignment

MGF intends to engage the services of a qualified construction contractor to undertake the rehabilitation of the Mchoka Dam Spillway, which is in the Nsaru, Lilongwe. The rehabilitation works are expected to restore and strengthen the dam’s spillway infrastructure to improve water flow management, enhance irrigation reliability, and ultimately support increased agricultural productivity. The water will be used by TTTheme Farms, a 23 ha macadamia farm that is 3km away from Mchoka Dam. The contractor will be responsible for carrying out all works in line with designs, technical specifications, and safety standards. This assignment is critical to ensuring the long-term functionality and sustainability of the dam.

Objectives

The objectives of the assignment include to:

1. Undertake a detailed site assessment and verification of existing dam spillway conditions to inform the reconstruction works.

2. Prepare or update the designs and technical specifications for the reconstruction of the Dam Spillway.

3. Execute the reconstruction works of the dam spillway based on prepared/updated designs and specifications.

4. Scope of Work
   

The Contractor will undertake the following tasks:

A. Site Assessment and Preparation

• Conduct a physical assessment of the current spillway and dam structure, identifying weaknesses, damages, and risks.

• Clear and prepare the site for reconstruction, ensuring safety protocols and environmental safeguards are observed.

B. Design and Technical Documentation

• Review existing designs (if available) and update or prepare new designs and technical specifications for the spillway rehabilitation.

• Submit the final design package for review and approval by TTTheme before commencing reconstruction works.

C. Reconstruction Works

• Mobilize equipment, materials, and qualified personnel to the site.

• Execute reconstruction of the spillway in accordance with approved designs and specifications.

D. Reporting

• Prepare and submit a completion report, including photographic evidence of works completed.

Deliverables

The Contractor will provide the following deliverables:

• Site Assessment- Identification of potential risks, construction challenges, and mitigation measures. Work plan including timeline for the reconstruction works.

• Engineering Design and Technical Documentation- Design for the spillway reconstruction incorporating the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and technical specifications.

• Rehabilitation of Spillway Structure- Completion of all works for the spillway rehabilitation in line with design and specifications.

• Progress reports detailing work completed, challenges faced, and mitigation strategies.

• Final Completion Report and Handover- Comprehensive report documenting all works carried out.

Timing and Duration

The assignment should commence as soon as possible to be completed no later than 30 September 2025.

The work should be completed according to the following timeline:

Qualifications

The selected contractor will require the following expertise:

1. At least 5 years’ experience in the construction and/or rehabilitation of water infrastructure such as dams, spillways, irrigation systems, or similar civil works.

2. Demonstrated ability to prepare and work with engineering designs.

3. Commitment to comply with environmental, health, and safety regulations relevant to dam construction and rehabilitation.

4. At least three references from previous clients for similar works completed in the past 5 years.

5. Strong record of timely delivery of projects within budget and in compliance with specifications.

Ready to Apply?

Interested parties should submit a comprehensive proposal inclusive of:

1. Technical proposal detailing approach, methodology, experience in conducting similar assignments in Malawi

2. Team composition and qualifications

3. Detailed timeline for assignment completion

4. Financial proposal with detailed breakdown of expenses

5. References from similar previous projects
   

The deadline for applications is Thursday, 4th September 2025 by 1700 Hours. Clarifications and final submissions should be made to the following email: MalawiMGF@adamsmithinternational.com