ESIA for Kotu stream

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)

Project: West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project 2

Grant No.: E1400-GM

Procurement Reference: GM-CPCU-470791-CS-CQS

Procurement Category: National and International Firms

Assignment Title: THE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) FOR THE KOTU STREAM

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• Background

The Gambia’s territories, and particularly the Greater Banjul area, is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, increased and erratic rainfall and more extreme weather events. These phenomena increase the risk of flooding and put pressure on existing infrastructure. To address these challenges, sub-projects have been launched that combine structural and non-structural (institutional strengthening for environmental protection) measures, to improve the resilience of local communities and sustainable management of water resources.

The Government of The Gambia, through the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilience Investment Project (ResIP) financed by the World Bank, is preparing interventions along the Kotu Stream to address recurrent fluvial and pluvial flooding. The catchment area of the Stream is approximately 40 km², and flooding has been exacerbated by rapid urbanization, climate change, and inadequate drainage systems. These events have resulted in significant damage to properties, livelihoods, and public infrastructure, while also posing risks to public health and the environment.

The WACA Program is a regional initiative that supports West African countries in strengthening resilience to coastal and riverine flooding, erosion, and climate risks. It promotes sustainable ecosystem-based and infrastructure…. solutions to protect communities, livelihoods, and critical assets. The Gambia’s participation in WACA aims to reduce vulnerability to flooding, improve climate resilience, and enhance socio-economic development through integrated water and coastal management approaches.

Based on the screening and initial scoping conducted by the National Environment Agency (NEA) through its Environmental Impact Assessment Technical Working Group (EIA-TWG), an ESIA Scoping Report was developed in June 2025 to guide the preparation of flood-mitigation infrastructure along the Kotu Stream. The scoping exercise confirmed that the project interventions are likely to generate a range of environmental and social impacts, both positive and adverse, that warrant a detailed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in accordance with national regulations and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs).

The ESIA shall be prepared in a manner that is fully consistent with the laws and regulations of The Gambia specifically, the EIA regulations (2014) under the auspices of the National Environment Agency, and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) under the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). The ESIA will ensure that the proposed interventions are environmentally and socially sustainable, and that risks are adequately mitigated while maximizing project benefits in line with national priorities and WACA’s regional objectives.

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• Objectives of the Consultancy

The objective of this assignment is to conduct a detailed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study for the Kotu Stream, in consistent and compliant with the relevant national laws and policies of the Government of The Gambia (GoTG) and Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) of the World Bank and taking into consideration the World Bank Group’s Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines. It will ensure that all positive and adverse impacts associated with sub-project activities will be considered and that the appropriate mitigation measures will be in place.

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• Scope of Work

The consultancy firm is expected to undertake investigations on social aspects, environmental aspects as well as conservation of natural resources, historical heritages and cultural (if applicable), and public consultations and disclosures. In conducting the tasks described in the scope of work, they will work closely with the Engineering Consultant responsible for the feasibility studies, detailed design and supervision of the Kotu Stream, HYDRO NOVA.

Specific tasks to be undertaken include;

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• Firm Profile & Experience

The consulting firm must demonstrates expertise in multidisciplinary environmental and social assessments of water resources, hydrological, and infrastructure projects. With at least 5 similar assignments conducting ESIA for infrastructure/hydraulic/ nature -based projects. Proven experience in stakeholder engagement in urban and peri-urban settings and familiar with World Bank ESF.

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• Proposed Team Composition

The consultancy firm’s project team shall comprise of the following expertise as minimum:

• Team Leader / ESIA Specialist – An MSc in Environment Management or Engineering, Project Management at least 10 years’ experience in leading ESIAs for World Bank projects.

• Hydrologist/Water Resources Engineer – An MSc in Hydrology with 8 years expertise in stream morphology, flood management, Coastal engineering.

• Ecologist/Biodiversity Expert – A BSc in Ecology with at least 10 years expertise in aquatic and riparian ecosystems.

• Social Safeguards Expert – A BSc in Development Studies or related field with at least 10 years (or MSc in Development Studies or related field with at least 5 years) of professional work experience in ESIA experience in resettlement, stakeholder engagement, gender/GBV, and social inclusion.

• Environmental Engineer – MSc in Environmental Science or related field with at least 10 years of professional work experience with infrastructure projects (bridges, culverts, bank protection).

• Socioeconomic Expert - MA degree in a Social Policy and Development, Gender, Sociology or any other Social Science with at least 7 years of professional work experience with infrastructure projects (bridges, culverts, bank protection).

• OHS/Community Health & Safety Specialist – MSc degree in occupational health and safety and at least 5 years of professional work experience with infrastructure projects.

• GIS/Mapping Specialist – MSc degree in GIS, remote sensing and at least 7 years of professional work experience in similar projects.

• Duration of the study: The consultancy is expected to be completed in 3 (THREE) months.

Consulting firms may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture (JV) and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a JV, all the partners in the JV shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected. JV Agreement should be included in the EOI.

Firms will be selected in accordance with the Selection Based on “Consultants Qualification Selection” (CQS) Method which is available on the Bank’s website set out in the Procurement Regulations 2025. Only the Most responsive Firm shall be invited to submit Technical and Financial proposals for Negotiation.

Further information (including the TOR) can be obtained electronically by email or at the address below during office hours from Monday-Thursday 09:00am to 1600 pm, Friday 09:00 to 12:00pm Gambian time.

Expressions of interest can be delivered in a written form or electronically to the address below (in person, by mail, or by e-mail) by Friday 6th March 2026. Expression of Interest is open to International Firms.

West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project 2

Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR)

2nd Floor, MECCNAR Complex, Kanifing, The Gambia or by

E-mail: [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected]