Background

Habitat for Humanity Malawi (HFHM) is a non-profit Christian organization established in 1986, working towards the vision of "A Malawi where everyone has a decent place to live". We work to transform lives through affordable housing initiatives, focusing on building homes, transforming housing systems, and inspiring housing action through partnerships, innovation, and volunteerism. In addition to housing, HFHM implements integrated WASH, climate resilience, and livelihood interventions across several districts in Malawi.

With funding from German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Stiftung der Deutschen Lions (SDL, HFHM is implementing the project "Strengthening Climate-Resilient WASH Services for Vulnerable Communities in T/A Mwambo and Kuntumanji, Zomba District. The project focusses on improving community livelihoods through WASH and climate-adapted agriculture interventions. The initiative aims to enhance WASH services, promote sustainable livelihoods, advocate for and inform policy changes to improve access to safe, affordable, inclusive, and sustainable water and WASH services. It will also support climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems in communities.

A critical challenge to water security and these livelihood efforts is the frequent non-functionality of boreholes. Key contributing factors include Lack of comprehensive data on borehole status, Absence of standards, specifications, and technical guidelines for siting and drilling; Limited capacity for proper borehole management; Weak supply chains for spare parts, Poor coordination among partners involved in borehole drilling, operation, and maintenance.

As part of the project and to address this foundational need, HFH Malawi intends to rehabilitate boreholes in T/A Mwambo. HFHM therefore invites eligible consultants to submit proposals for the provision of borehole forensic services as referenced below

Overall Objective of the Assignment

The overall objective of this assignment is to conduct a comprehensive forensic assessment on 15 boreholes to determine their structural, hydraulic, and water quality status and recommend appropriate rehabilitation actions.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will be responsible for the following key tasks:

• Perform pumping tests to determine the yield and sustainability of each borehole.
• Conduct comprehensive water quality analysis (chemical and bacteriological testing).
• Assess the structural integrity of each borehole (including downhole inspection using a borehole camera)
• Evaluate the condition of all civil works, including the concrete apron and drainage.
• Inspect the condition and functionality of the Afridev handpump at each site.
• Determine aquifer properties and performance.
• Prepare a detailed forensic report for each borehole, with accompanying recommendations for its rehabilitation
• Conduct the assignment in strict compliance with all applicable national standards, including the Malawi Water Resources Act (2013), the National Water Resources Authority regulations, and prevailing WASH sector guidelines.
• Adhere to safety protocols throughout all field and operational activities.

Time Frame

Borehole forensics, including submission or report, should be done in 26 days from the date of signing the contract.

Consultant Qualifications

Given the nature of the task, the following skills will be required:

• Hydrogeologists (minimum 2), Civil engineer or /Water Resources Engineer.
• Demonstrated experience in groundwater investigations and borehole forensics.
• Access to required equipment: submersible pump, flow meter, genset, HDPE pipes, water quality testing devices, dipper/data logger, deviation tool, borehole camera.
• Experience with Afridev handpump standards.

Deliverables

• 15 Individual Borehole Forensic Reports (technical findings + recommendations)
• Summary Technical Report covering all boreholes
• Raw data sets (pump test, water quality results, inspection notes, photos/videos)

Bid Evaluations

The proposals/bids of the interested consultants will be evaluated as per the below evaluation criteria

• General experience of the Consultant in the WASH Sector, including assessment and implementation of WASH or borehole-related projects.
• Technical approach - methodology, timelines
• Qualifications and Experience of the Consulting team, including relevant experience in Similar Services and references
• Submission of valid business registration, tax registration and clearance certificate and other regulatory compliance certification.
• Financial proposal completeness, cost effectiveness and reasonableness of costs for the whole assignment.

Note:

For transportation cost, we estimate a total of 70km from Zomba City to all the 15 sites in T/A Mwambo. Please indicate unit price per kilometer as well as total price for 70 km. However, the actual transport cost will be determined by the actual distance.

Note: The consultant must attach certified copies of company registration, tax compliance certificates, and certificates of completion or contracts for at least three (3) similar assignments undertaken within the last five (5) years.

The proposal must include a comprehensive, itemized budget covering the full scope of services. All anticipated costs, including applicable taxes, should be clearly presented. The Budget must be accompanied by detailed explanatory notes.

Submission

Bids clearly stated "PR402: BOREHOLE FORENSICS" to be deposited in the tender box at the address below:

The Chairperson
Internal Procurement Committee
Habitat for Humanity Malawi
Off Presidential Drive, Next to Pacific Villas, Area 14
P.O. Box1638
Lilongwe.

Closing dates for receiving bids is 4th February 2026 by 10:00 am. Bids will be opened the same date, on 4th February 2026 at 10:15am in the presence of bidders or bidder representatives. Bids submitted electronically will be disqualified.

For questions or clarification, please contact: fsande@habitat.mw or atasowana@habitat.mw