REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE PROVISION OF WATER PROJECT CONSTRUCTION SERVICES (PREQUALIFICATION STAGE)

1. Introduction

Living Water International Rwanda (LWIR), an affiliate of Living Water International (LWI), is a Christian non-governmental organization that has been operating in Rwanda since 2007 to deliver sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services to vulnerable communities.

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance access to safe and reliable water services, LWIR intends to execute several water supply infrastructure projects in Nyanza and Rwamagana Districts. LWIR hereby invites qualified and experienced construction companies to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the construction of piped water supply systems and associated infrastructure.

The purpose of this EOI is to detect and prequalify competent contractors who may subsequently be invited to participate in competitive bidding processes for specific construction works.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this EOI is to establish a pool of qualified contractors capable of delivering high-quality climate resilient water supply infrastructure projects that comply with national standards, donor requirements, environmental safeguards, and engineering best practices.

3. Scope of Works

The selected contractors may be required to undertake one or more of the following activities:

A. Water Source Development

• Spring protection works.
• Development of groundwater sources.
• Construction of water intake structures.
• Construction of collection chambers and source protection facilities.

B. Water Transmission and Distribution Systems

• Supply and installation of HDPE, PVC, GI, and related pipeline systems.
• Construction of transmission mains and distribution networks.
• Installation of valves, washouts, air valves, and associated fittings.
• Construction of pipeline crossings and protection structures.

C. Water Storage and Treatment Facilities

• Construction of reinforced concrete water reservoirs.
• Construction of water towers 
• Construction of break-pressure tanks and valve chambers.
• Installation of water treatment units where required.
• Construction of chlorination facilities.

D. Water Access Infrastructure

• Construction of public water kiosks and standpipes.
• Construction of cattle watering points where applicable.
• Installation of water metering systems.

E. Associated Civil Works

• Site preparation and earthworks.
• Excavation, backfilling, and reinstatement work.
• Construction of fencing and site protection structures.
• Drainage and erosion control measures.

F. Testing and Commissioning

• Hydrostatic pressure testing.
• System disinfection and flushing.
• Operational testing and commissioning.
• Preparation of as-built drawings and completion reports.

4. Geographic Coverage

The anticipated projects will be implemented in Nyanza in Rwamagana Districts with possibility to expand in other districts in Rwanda 

5. Minimum Eligibility Requirements

At this level, interested firms must meet the following minimum requirements:

A. Legal Registration

The company should present at least:

• Company registration certificate (RDB Certificate)
• Possess a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).
• Possess a valid RRA Tax Clearance Certificate.
• Possess a valid RSSB Clearance Certificate.
• VAT certificate 

B. Technical Capacity

The firm must demonstrate:

• Proven experience in the construction of piped water supply systems for at least 5 years.
• Experience in water infrastructure projects funded by NGOs, government agencies, development partners, or international organizations and any other clients.
• Availability of qualified technical personnel including Civil Engineers; Water Supply Engineers; Site Supervisors; Surveyors; Environmental and Health & Safety personnel.

C. Experience

The firm shall deliver evidence of:

• At least five (5) years of experience in construction of water supply infrastructure/projects.
• Successful completion of at least five (5) similar piped water supply projects within the last five (5) years.
• Copies of completion certificates, contracts, or recommendation letters from clients
• Previous working experience with Living Water International Rwanda will be considered an added advantage; however, it is not a mandatory requirement.
• Previous working experience on WASAC managed water supply project will be considered an added advantage; however, it is not a mandatory requirement

6. Required Documentation

Interested firms should submit the following:

1. Company profile.
2. RDB Certificate of incorporation/registration.
3. Valid trading license.
4. Tax clearance certificate.
5. RSSB clearance certificate.
6. List of key professional staff with CVs.
7. Detailed record of similar assignments completed including project name, district, sector , cell and village 
8. References and recommendation letters.
9. Any additional information demonstrates the firm’s capability.

Note: Living Water International Rwanda reserves the right to request additional supporting documentation at any stage of the prequalification process.

7. Evaluation Criteria

In addition to the administrative requirements, the preliminary evaluation / selection will consider the following criteria including:

• Relevance of the company's field of business and experience
• Similar assignments completed for similar clients
• Technical capacity and personnel
• Financial offers/costs (this criterion will be considered during the second stage, when pre-qualified companies are invited to submit quotations)

Only firms achieving the minimum acceptable score determined by LWIR will be shortlisted.

8. LWIR Safeguarding and Ethical Requirements

Living Water International Rwanda is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, safeguarding, accountability, and ethical perform.

Interested firms must:

• Comply with LWIR safeguarding requirements.
• Adhere to anti-corruption and anti-fraud principles.
• Protect children and vulnerable adults from exploitation and abuse.
• Observe environmental and social safeguards during project implementation.

Any firm found engaging in fraudulent, unethical, or corrupt practices shall be disqualified immediately.

9. Submission Instructions

•  
  • All documents must be compiled into ONE PDF file.
  • Submissions should be sent via email to:LWIRProcurement@water.cc

Email subject line must read: “Expression of Interest for construction of water supply projects”

• Deadline for submission: June 26th, 2026, at 17:00 (Rwanda time), late submissions will not be accepted.

1. Important Notes

• Only pre-qualified companies will be contacted for further evaluation processes 
• All inquiries or clarifications should be made exclusively via email LWIRProcurement@water.cc

Hastings Banda
Country Director
Living Water International Rwanda