Annex II.3
SPECIFIC TERMS OF REFERENCE
PREPARING A MASTER PLAN FOR THE SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION OF
IRRIGATION WATER FOR THE PRODUCTION OF RICE IN THE NICKERIE DISTRICT
FWC BENEFICIARIES 2009 LOT Nr1 Rural Development
EuropeAid/127054/C/SER/multi
1. BACKGROUND

Beneficiary country
The beneficiary country is the Republic of Suriname.

Contracting Authority
The Contracting Authority is the EC Delegation Suriname).
The Project Manager for preparation of the Master Plan is the Ministry of Planning and
Development Cooperation (PLOS).

Relevant country background
The Republic of Suriname is situated on the northern coast of South America, between 2 o and
6o North Latitude and between 54o and 58o West Longitude. In the East it is bordered by
French Guyana, in the West by Guyana, in the South by Brazil and in the North by the
Atlantic Ocean. The total area is 163,265 square kilometres (63,064 square miles). The
country has many rivers and some mountains (highest point 1280 meters). The larger part of
the country consists of uncultivated rain forest. Suriname is divided into ten districts. The
capital of Suriname, Paramaribo, is situated about 20 km south of the coast at the west bank of
the Suriname River.
About 12% of the labour force is employed in the agricultural sector, 4% in mining and 15%
in trade. Of the labour force 40% works for the Government.
The northern coastal plain is farmed, mined and logged, and the area along most rivers is
heavily used for subsistence agriculture in the interior.
The backbone of Suriname's economy is the export of alumina and crude oil.
Suriname, a member of CARICOM, has the following natural resources: timber, hydroelectric potential, fish, shrimp, bauxite, gold, iron ore and small amounts of nickel, copper and
platinum.
The most important export products are:

Aluminium, unrefined petroleum and crude oil;

Rice;

Bananas, other fruits and vegetables;

Shrimp, fish and fish products;
1
Annex II.3

Timber and timber products.
Suriname has a tropical climate. The average temperature is 27 0C with daily deviations
between 23 0C and 33 0C. The average annual rainfall in Paramaribo is about 2200 mm. In the
entire country the rainfall varies from less than 1750 mm to over 3000 mm. In Suriname four
seasons can be distinguished viz.:
1.
The main rainy season: from April until August
2.
The main dry season: from September until November
3.
Small rainy season: from December until January
4.
Small dry season: from February until March
The rivers of the country flow from the south to the north and two of the biggest rivers form
the border; in the west the Corantijn River and in the east the Marowijne River. The
ecological diversity of the country is not formed by the climate, but more by the
geomorphological differences.
Agriculture is an important sector of the economy of Suriname. Within the agricultural sector
rice and bananas are the main commodities, followed by vegetables and fruits. The
contribution of the agricultural sector over the period 1990 - 1995 to the GDP was about 9%,
to employment 12%, and to foreign exchange earnings 17.5%.
The contribution of the agricultural sector to the GNP over the last five (5) years was about
7%. In spite of the fact that large-scale agriculture has declined the contribution of agriculture
to foreign exchange earnings is still about 15%. During the past decennium there has been a
downward trend in both contribution to the in GNP and foreign currency income. In the
Agricultural Sector Plan of Suriname (March 2004) it is stressed that the agricultural sector is
the only renewable sector in the economy and that the current raw materials like bauxite, that
are currently important foreign exchange earners, will be exhausted some day.
The agricultural sector consists of about 10,000 – 12.000 smallholders, of which 85% live in
the coastal area, where - for rice and bananas - modern and market oriented production
technologies are practised. The remaining 15% farmers (Amerindians and Maroons) live in
the interior, where subsistence farming is carried out.
Rice is the most important staple food. Rice constitutes the basic component in the diets of the
Surinamese people. This commodity is an important export crop and foreign exchange earner.
Rice production is an activity of medium and large scale farmers using modern and market
oriented production techniques.
The most important Banana producer is the State owned company “Stichting Behoud
Bananen Sector” (SBBS). This enterprise comprises two estates, located in the Saramacca and
Nickerie district, and covers a total area of about 2,000 ha. At the SBBS 1,900 persons are
employed. Bananas are mainly being exported to the European market.

Current states of affairs in the relevant sector
Rice cultivation in Suriname takes mainly place in the north-western part of Suriname, within
the districts Saramacca, Coronie and Nickerie. The total rice area is approximately 60,000 ha
of which more than 85% is located in Nickerie. More than 80% of Nickerie’s working
population is involved in the rice culture. Irrigation water for the majority of the small rice
fields (less than 4 ha) is being derived from the Nanni Swamp and from the Corantijn Canal.
2
Annex II.3
Fresh water is pumped by the Wakay pumping station out of the Corantijn River into the
Corantijn canal. From the canal it is distributed to the main irrigation channels through which
the various polders of the left bank of the Nickerie River are being supplied.
The RIP (Regional Indicative Programme - 9th EDF) signed by CARIFORUM and the
European Commission reflected the European Commission’s commitment to support the rice
sector in Suriname and Guyana in particular and the Caribbean in general. The EU (European
Union) contributed 24 million euro through the CARIFORUM to the project “Support to the
competitiveness of the rice sector in the Caribbean”. The Surinamese component of this
project had a provision of 3.8 million euro to rehabilitate the Corantijn canal and adjacent
drains and the construction of swamp level control structures and sluices.
The availability of sufficient irrigation water is crucial for the adequate growth of the rice
crop. The expansion of the total rice area in Nickerie to approximately 40,000 ha in the
second half of the 20th century resulted in an increasing pressure on the natural fresh water
sources Nanni Swamp and Nickerie River. Especially in the dry season the supply and
distribution of irrigation water became more and more problematic. Irrigation water could
reach the rice fields only with great difficulties, and huge water shortages were common
practice. This resulted in a negative impact on the cultivated rice area, and thus on the total
rice production.
To solve the problem of water shortages in Nickerie the Multipurpose Corantijn Project
(MCP) was formulated in 1978. The initial goals of the MCP are to safeguard two rice
harvests per year in the existing polders and to construct new rice polders for farmers who had
to leave their farm lands because of reorganization of their polders. The project included,
among other things, the construction of a pumping station at Wakay with a pump capacity of
30 m3/sec; the excavation of the 66 km Corantijn Canal to transport the pumped irrigation
water to the northern located rice fields; a distribution structure to distribute irrigation water
to the several rice polders; a spillway at the Maratakka River to be able to spill water if
necessary; an elevated dam for improved protection against swamp water; and the
construction of the MCP polder of 12,500 ha.
Due to funding constraints MCP was never completed as intended. The Corantijn Canal and
the Wakay Pumping Station were constructed, but the corresponding Distribution Structure,
the Maratakka Spillway and the elevation of the Water Conservation Dam (the so-called DOL
Works) were never initiated. As such at this moment the supply of irrigation water is very
inefficient, hence the available water sources are not being used optimally.
The MCP was converted into a Water Board by State Decree of 21 May 2007, Overliggend
Waterschap MCP (OWMCP), and has among other things the responsibility of the Wakay
Pumping Station, the Corantijn Canal and its related structures, the E-pand Canal and the
South Drain Canal.

Related programmes and other donor activities
Additional to its normal contribution to the production infrastructure in the rice sector (e.g.
financing the operations of the OWMCP, cleaning of canals, etc.) the Government has
provided through the Agriculture Sector Plan, partly financed by the Dutch Government,
approximately 1.8 million euro for rehabilitating of the Sawmill Creek polder, the Hampton
Court polder and the Van Drimmelen polder. Also a study to rehabilitate the Corantijn polder
has been contracted out. This has been done as an effort of the Government to strengthen the
Water Users Associations.
3
Annex II.3
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Global objective
The global objective of the project is to prepare a Master plan for the supply and distribution
of irrigation water to the rice polders in Nickerie, in order to support the increase of the rice
production in this area.

Specific objective
The specific objective of this contract is to provide a step-by-step approach to guarantee that
irrigation water resources are managed sustainably and that irrigation water is supplied
efficiently and cost-effectively to stakeholders.

Requested services, including suggested methodology
The assignment should lead to the Master plan for the supply and distribution of irrigation
water to the rice polders in Nickerie, and to the design of the corresponding infrastructural
works. The Master plan should include, as a minimum:
Study phase
(i) Inventory of the existing and potential water sources and the estimation of the total
amount of irrigation water available for rice cultivation in Nickerie;
(ii) Overview of the current distribution system from the available water sources to the
various rice polders in Nickerie;
(iii) Analysis of the bottlenecks in utilization of the available water sources and the existing
water supply infrastructure of the rice polders;
(iv) Estimation of the potential growth of the total rice area in Nickerie, and the
corresponding irrigation water needs;
(v) Identification of potential new water sources to supply irrigation water to the existing
rice areas and the potential new rice areas;
(vi) Analysis of the environmental aspects of sustainable utilization of the current and
potential water sources in Nickerie;
(vii) Set up of a water management system responsible for the optimal utilization of the
water sources in Nickerie; efficient water management and maintenance; registration of
water users; efficient water management on field level; and the organization, logistical,
personnel and financial aspects of the supply and distribution system;
(viii) Estimation of the indicative costs for improving the supply and distribution system of
irrigation water to the rice polders in Nickerie, including the costs for sustainable
maintenance and management of the system;
(ix) Integration of the existing and potential water sources in the development strategies for
Nickerie, including, among others, possible expansion of the energy supply; set up of
new production sectors (such as bio fuel); opening up of new areas in the district;
construction of new infrastructural works, etc.
4
Annex II.3
Design phase
(i) Design of the distribution system to allow for distribution of pumped water from Wakay
Pumping Station via the Corantijn Canal, and from the Nanni Swamp via the Nanni
Creek to the various rice polders in Nickerie;
(ii) Profiling of the eastern and western dams of the Corantijn Canal in order to reduce dam
breaks and water losses;
(iii) Elevation of the Water Conservation Dam along the Suriname Canal in order to protect
existing rice areas against high water levels in the Nanni Swamp, and to increase the
potential water storage capacity in the Nanni Swamp;
(iv) Design of the Maratakka Spillway to be able to spill water in the Maratakka River
during high swamp water levels, or during intrusion of salt water in the Nickerie River;
(v) Cleaning of the Nanni Creek as the main natural drain of swamp water to the Corantijn
River;
(vi) Cost estimation for the execution of abovementioned works.

Required outputs
The Consultant has to achieve the following results:

A Master plan for the supply and distribution of irrigation water to the rice polders in
Nickerie;

Designs of the corresponding infrastructural works.

A Mission Report including the Master Plan and Infrastructure designs in annex.
3. EXPERTS PROFILE

Number of requested experts per category and number of man-days per expert
The team will be composed of the following experts:
 1 senior engineer, Team leader (Cat 1; 66 Working Days)
The firm providing these experts is supposed to assure the quality and possible backup
support. The costs of this support are part of the fee rates of the expert.

Profile required
The Senior Engineer (Team Leader; Cat 1)
Qualifications and skills

A university or equivalent degree in engineering (hydraulic/concrete infrastructures,
functional buildings, canals, drains)

Knowledge of Dutch will be an advantage.

Computer literacy is required (AutoCAD, MS Office).

It is also anticipated that the expert possesses the qualities of a Team Leader and be
fluent in English (writing/speaking).

Strong communication, personal and interpersonal skills.
General professional experience
5
Annex II.3




At least 15 years relevant professional experience, out of which 10 in developing
countries.
This experience should include clear experience in designing, rehabilitation,
management and maintenance of irrigation and drainage infrastructures.
Experience with preparation of tender documents and costs estimations;
Knowledge of administrative procedures of the EDF would be an advantage.
He will be responsible vis-à-vis the Contracting Authority, and the EC Delegation in
Paramaribo for the production of all reports related to his field of expertise.

Working language(s)
Fluency in English and Dutch.
4. LOCATION AND DURATION

Starting period
The commencement date is 1st March 2010 at the latest. The contract must end by 31st May
2010.

Foreseen finishing period or duration
The period of implementation of the contract will be sixty six working days from the
commencement date.

Planning
Month
1
Month
2
FWC Master plan
L B S
Draft Master plan
Workshop on draft Master plan
Design of infrastructural works
Final Master plan
End of Contract 31 May 2010
Submission of mission report + invoice
L = launch, B = deadline bids, S= start contract and assignment

Location(s) of assignment
The assignment will be based in Nickerie district, Republic of Suriname.
6
Month
3
Annex II.3
5. REPORTING

Content
The consultant will submit the following reports:

Inception Report of maximum 12 pages to be produced after one week from the
commencement of the implementation. In the report the consultant shall describe e.g.
the first findings, the progress in collecting data, the encountered and/or foreseen
difficulties in addition to the work programme and staff mobilization. The consultant is
advised to proceed with his/her work also in absence of comments by the Contracting
Authority to the inception report.

Draft Master Plan of maximum 75 pages (main text, excluding annexes) with a
summary in Dutch. This Plan shall be submitted no later than one month before the end
of the assignment in Suriname.

Final Master Plan with the design of Infrastructure Works with the same
specifications as the draft Master Plan, incorporating any comments received from the
concerned parties on the draft. The final Master Plan shall be provided by the latest 14
days after the reception of the comments on the draft Master Plan.

Mission report (Max 5 pages including in annex the Final Master Plan with the
design of Infrastructure Works) The Mission Report must be provided along with the
corresponding invoice.

Language
The language will be English.

Submission/comments timing
The Draft Master Plan referred to above must be submitted to the Project Manager at the
Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation. The Project manager shall submit his
comments on the draft Master Plan within two weeks. The Project Manager is responsible for
giving final approval of the Master Plan and design of Infrastructure works. In the absence of
comments or approval by the Project Manager within the set deadline, the reports are deemed
to be approved.
The Mission report must be submitted to the Contracting Authority (i.e. EC Delegation
Suriname), with copy to the Ministry f Planning and Development Cooperation for
information.

Number of report(s) copies
The Final Master Plan and the designs will be submitted in one original and five copies to the
Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation.
The Mission report will be submitted in two originals (+one set of annexes) along with the
final invoice to the EC Delegation Suriname. A copy of the mission report will be submitted
to the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation for information.
7
Annex II.3
6. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Interviews if necessary indicating for which experts/position
There will be no interviews.

Language of the specific contract
The contract language will be English

Other authorized items to foresee under ‘Reimbursable’
Per Diem
The Consultant shall provide a per diem to his experts. The items covered by the per diem are
indicated on the EuropeAid Website.
Inter-city travelAn amount of 250 Euro is provided for intercity travel between Paramaribo
and the location of assignment in Nickerie District.
Services
An amount of 1,000 Euro has been included for a workshop. This includes hire of room,
snacks, and other logistic costs etc…
Maps and statistical information
The purchase of maps and statistical information up to 1,588 Euro may be reimbursed.
However, the Consultant shall provide his own survey equipment as necessary and maintain
it.

Others
Tax and VAT arrangements
On the ground of the specific Council regulations governing the concerned EC external aid
program, VAT and any other local taxes and duties are excluded from the Community
financing, unless stated otherwise in these ToR.
Payments
This is a fee-based contract. Payments will be made in accordance with the framework
contract rules.
8