The scheme is focused on wastewater distribution networks and the sale and reuse of treated effluent and sludge. It covers Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina and Mecca.

Two separate requests for proposals have been issued: one for a technical adviser and the second for a legal adviser. The technical adviser will act as the lead and transaction adviser, and will assign an internal financial adviser to the team.

A previous tender for the work was scrapped after the newly established NWC took over the project from the Water & Electricity Ministry earlier this year (MEED 19:5:08).

NWC is already evaluating bids for the consultancy contracts on the PPP water management programme for Greater Dammam, Medina and Mecca. It has received four technical bids, three financial bids and five legal bids from consultants. The bids were submitted on 30 June following a retender of the original contract.

The previous tender was for a consortium of technical, financial and legal advisers. After receiving the proposals, NWC decided to retender for separate bids to secure more competitive offers.

The successful technical adviser will act as lead and transaction adviser. NWC expects to award the contracts by October.

NWC is also awaiting cabinet approval for the privatisation of wastewater treatment plants in Riyadh.