The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has launched a call for experts to support a new technical assistance project focused on improving water supply management in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The initiative aims to reduce water loss through the implementation of a GIS-based monitoring and control system, with a submission deadline of May 19, 2025.
The Caribbean twin-island nation heavily depends on rainfall-fed groundwater and surface sources for its water supply. However, the country is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including altered rainfall patterns, more intense droughts, sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion in coastal zones, and pollution in key watershed areas. These pressures, coupled with limited investment in water infrastructure over the past two decades, place the nation’s freshwater systems at significant risk.
This Technical Assistance (TA) initiative, approved by the National Designated Entity of Saint Kitts and Nevis, will support the Water Services Department (WSD) and Nevis Water Department (NWD) in adopting a structured and systematic approach to Non-Revenue Water (NRW) management. The project will involve a complete review and redesign of the agencies’ current data models and water management processes.
Key expected outcomes of the project include:
Project management support
Development of a GIS data structure and procedures
District Metered Area (DMA) testing
A regional South-South exchange event to foster knowledge sharing
According to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), which is managing the solicitation process, this project will deliver tailored technical assistance to strengthen the institutional capacity of water sector staff on both islands. The GIS-based system is expected to enable automated, real-time data analysis for faster leak detection and water loss reduction — key tools in building long-term climate resilience.
With climate change already affecting the nation's agriculture, tourism, health, and water sectors, this project represents a vital intervention to safeguard water security and sustainable development.
Qualified institutions interested in providing technical assistance can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to participate in the upcoming procurement process. Full project details will be shared with selected bidders after the EOI deadline.
