Consultant to conduct a feasibility study on water supply for the village of Hawka (Zgharta caza)

The Sustainable Qadisha Program aims to promote environmental sustainability, heritage preservation, and responsible development in the Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Lebanon. The program focuses on protecting the natural and cultural resources of the valley while supporting local communities through eco-friendly practices, sustainable tourism, and infrastructure improvements.

This is a project involving partnerships between French and Lebanese institutions and organizations, with the federations of municipalities of Bsharri and Zgharta cazas, supporting socioeconomic development through the creation of a common governance across Qadisha Valley, which will facilitate the implementation of territorial development initiatives.

Developing Qadisha’s destination brand will enhance its attractiveness, strengthen existing economic sectors, and offer new training and employment opportunities, while highlighting and preserving its environment.

In the water component, the main objective of this call is to provide a water supply solution that is both sustainable and efficient for the residents of the village of Hawka. The project will need to assess and optimize four water supply options identified by the Sustainable Qadisha project team in partnership with the North Lebanon Water Establishment and the Zgharta Water Office. This evaluation will consider various criteria such as water quality, technical feasibility, initial and operational costs, and environmental impact.

The service provider will need to:

1. Study the following four water supply options:

• Mar Sarkis Spring in Ehden (Zgharta caza).
• Kfarsghab Spring (Zgharta caza).
• Bane Hill Reservoir (Bsharri caza).
• Mar Semaan Spring in Bsharri.

2. Perform a detailed comparative analysis of the options in terms of:

• Water quality and quantity.
• Distance and elevation relative to Hawka.
• Infrastructure and maintenance costs.
• Environmental and social impact.
• Long-term sustainability of the water source.
• Accessibility and maintenance.

3. Select the best option and justify the choice based on the above criteria, considering the above criteria, and justifying the final choice.

4. Conduct a technical feasibility study for the selected option, including:

• Design of the water collection and distribution system.
• Evaluation of infrastructure needs (pumps, reservoirs, pipes).
• Cost estimation for construction and operation.
• Proposal for water treatment solutions if necessary.

5. Present a financial analysis that includes:

• Initial investment costs.
• Long-term maintenance and operation costs.
• Possible funding sources (subsidies, public-private partnerships).