August 07, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), in collaboration with the Consultancy Procurement Committee (CPCM) of the Power and Energy Ministry, has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from eligible consultants experienced in providing consultancy services. to boost dam safety, emergency preparedness
These services aim to implement a comprehensive standard procedure on dam breach analysis, preparation of inundation maps, evacuation plan and early warning systems for CEB reservoirs.
“The initiative aims to strengthen the CEB’s capacity in ensuring the safety and resilience of its critical infrastructure, aligning with best practices in dam safety and emergency management,” a top official said..
He also said the consultancy services will include a wide array of tasks including obtaining detailed geological reports, conducting thorough dam breach analysis, performing risk assessments, developing accurate inundation maps, formulating emergency response plans including evacuation strategies and recommending advanced technological solutions for early warning systems.
Additionally, he said the consultants will be required to provide detailed cost estimations and Bills of Quantities (BOQs) related to these activities.
Interested consultancy firms are invited to submit their EoIs along with their general experience profiles, details of successfully executed consultancy assignments over the last decade, audited financial statements for the past five years and other relevant supporting documents.
Further details and updates regarding this call for consultancy services can be accessed through the CEB’s official website at www.ceb.lk under the Tender Section.
According to him, the application period for obtaining the registration documents is from 1 to 21 August, with a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 10,000.
Prior warning systems too need tightening to ensure that signs of dam failure are quickly communicated to those at risk and evacuation centers identified.
As the boy scout motto says, we must ‘be prepared.’ Dam Safety cannot be a standalone program. It must be a part of the regional development strategy in all localities.
Apart from the dam managing organizations, other government agencies using the reservoirs for functions such as inland fishing, domestic water supply, tourism etc too have a role to play in dam safety.
Decision making during emergencies must take into account the risks to the public as well as economic, environmental, social, and cultural impacts.
The technical analysis of risks associated with a dam cannot be the sole decision-making factor. All stakeholders should participate in finalizing emergency preparedness plans.
Inputs on all aspects are necessary when a warning is issued. Prevention of disaster and mitigation of impact can be achieved only through such collective action.
