Our team's experience

Country: Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam

Client: Asian Development Bank

Project Consultant: Ramboll
Duration: 2019-2021

More than half of the ASEAN Member States’ population reside in urban areas and an additional 70 million are forecast to live in ASEAN cities by 2025. While rapid and unplanned urbanization can undermine quality of life, exacerbate inequality, and cause environment stress, it also gives ASEAN’s cities and utilities an opportunity to mitigate the associated risks by capitalizing on the exponential growth of technology.

In total, 26 cities across eight ASEAN countries are participating in the AASCTF program. The main goal of the Fund is to improve the three key functional areas within participating cities in the ASEAN region – Planning, Service Delivery and Financial Management. Across all the Fund’s work lies three important cross-cutting themes that are addressed and embedded within every activity – Gender, Climate Change and Private Sector.

A central activity of the Ramboll Core Team is the identification of entry points and development of Task Orders for city intervention pilot projects (i.e., demonstrations and proof of concepts) focused on innovative smart and digital solutions within select participating cities; the ultimate aim of the pilot projects being to identify scalable and replicable best and next practice smart solutions to be applied within the ASEAN context.

As a Project Director, Jens Thøgersen was responsible for overall and financial management of projects, negotiating contract and subsequent variations/addendums, liaison with client and stakeholders, ensuring that all deliverables are submitted to the Client according to schedule.

As Task Team Leader, Nils Gardek was responsible for leading a pre-feasibility study for an employment service platform with matching tools and e-learning modules for Kaysone Phomvihane in Lao PDR. Nils led the preparation of project proposal and procurement of the project for Ramboll.

As GIS Expert, Manir Ryne was responsible for GIS based analysis for the planning of flood mitigation and the delivery of the services of flood early warning and responses, using smart technologies for the Baguio city in Philippines.

Both Nils Gardek and Manir Ryne led the preparation of project proposal and procurement of the project for Ramboll methodology and recruitment of the experts. Nils Gardek and Manir Ryne were also involved in task order preparation.

Country: Lao PDR

Client: Ministry of Public Works and Transport / Asian Development Bank

Project Consultant: Ramboll

Duration: 2019 – 2021

The project is set to transform the GMS central and southern corridor towns into economically inclusive and competitive international tourism destinations by improving road and water transport infrastructure, urban environmental services, and capacity to sustainably manage tourism growth. The project impact intends to be promoting sustainable, inclusive, and more balanced tourism development, increasing the competitiveness in the GMS region.

The scope of works included detailed design, construction supervision, and capacity building. The project follows FIDIC MDB harmonized edition 2010.

The project will boost trade in services and deepen regional cooperation and integration among the GMS and ASEAN. About 88,000 residents are expected to directly benefit from climate-resilient infrastructure development and increased access to economic opportunities.

As Social Safeguard Specialist, Nils Gardek provided services to ensure compliance with ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement, Risk Mitigation, and ADB’s Gender and Development (Gad) Policy Requirements. Nils led the implementation of training programme including Training Need Assessment (TNA) and training materials.

As a Project Director, Jens Thøgersen was responsible for overall and financial management of projects, negotiating contract and subsequent variations/addendums, liaison with client and stakeholders, ensuring that all deliverables are submitted to the Client according to schedule.

Nils Gardek and Manir Ryne led the preparation of project proposal and procurement of the project for Ramboll including writing the methodology and recruitment of the experts.

County: Cambodia

Client: Ministry of Public Works / Asian Development Bank

Project Consultant: Ramboll

Duration: 2019 – 2021

The project objective is to improve urban environmental services in Battambang, Serei Saophaon, Siem Reap, Steung Saen, Kampong Chamg, Kratie and Stueng Saen provincial cities located around the Tonle Sap Lake. The project also aims to improve institutional effectiveness for providing sustainable services and improved policy and planning for the environment, wastewater, and solid waste management.

The scope of works included detailed engineering design, tendering and construction supervision of 6 wastewater treatment plants (3.500 – 5000 m3/d) based on waste stabilization ponds and trickling filters, more than 650 km of separate sewer systems with 2 to 4 pumping stations per system (pump capacity 19 – 37 l/s), more than 50 km of primary drainage, and 6 landfills. In Cambodia, the project introduced trenchless technology to replace a 3.7 km length of failed/collapsed main trunk interceptor sewer.

As a Project Director, Jens Thøgersen was responsible for overall and financial management of projects, negotiating contract and subsequent variations/addendums, liaison with client and stakeholders, ensuring that all deliverables are submitted to the Client according to schedule.

Nils Gardek performed as Project Performance Monitoring System (PPMS) Specialist / Social Development & Gender Specialist. He was responsible for preparing a performance monitoring system, developing a training program, and providing training. 

Nils Gardek provided support for compliance with ADB safeguard policies and social and gender requirements.

Nils Gardek and Manir Ryne led the preparation of project proposal and procurement of the project for Ramboll including writing the methodology and recruitment of the experts.

Country: Bangladesh

Client: KfW / Khulna City Corporation

Project Consultant: Ramboll Danmark A/S

Duration: 2019 – 2021

The project site, Khulna – Bangladesh's third-largest city, was highly vulnerable to climate-related risks due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. This made it susceptible to the effects of rising sea levels and increasing surges. Khulna experienced frequent flooding and waterlogging, particularly during monsoon season, due to inadequate flood protection and drainage systems. As a result, the daily lives of its citizens were severely disrupted for months each year, and climate change was expected to exacerbate these problems.

To address these challenges, German Development Cooperation, through KfW, supported Bangladesh with an emphasis on Climate Change Adapted Urban Development (CCAUD). These primarily involved investments in urban infrastructures and capacity development. The project was part of CCAUD Phase II, which focused on improving stormwater drainage and flood control.

The consulting service aimed to prepare a Feasibility Study for implementing climate adaptation measures in Khulna City. Work included climate risk, vulnerability, and urban system assessments to identify potential climate-resilient sub-projects. The project focused on urban flood control and protection measures such as drainage system improvement, canal and river rehabilitation, embankment construction, and sluice gate improvement.

As Project Director, Jens Thøgersen was responsible for overall financial management, contract negotiation, and amendments, liaising with clients and stakeholders, and ensuring the timely submission of deliverables to the Client.

Nils Gardek led the preparation of the project proposal and procurement for Ramboll, including writing the methodology and recruitment of the experts.

Country: Uganda
Client: DANIDA Business Finance (DBF)
Project Consultant: Ramboll Danmark A/S
Duration: 2018 – 2020

DANIDA Business Financing (DBF) supported the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in implementing a new water and sanitation project in Kampala's south and west areas. The project aimed to improve the quality of life, health, economy, and environment in the South and West of Greater Kampala by further realizing the human right to water and sanitation.

The project's objectives were to improve water supply reliability by increasing production capacity to 62,500m3/d and constructing trunk systems, reservoirs, and boosters; to enhance sanitation by implementing a 400m3/d fecal sludge collection and treatment plant, and to develop WATSAN infrastructure in informal settlements.

The consultancy services involved preparing a detailed feasibility study, conducting investigations, developing conceptual designs, creating tender documents, and handling procurement.

As Project Director, Jens Thøgersen was responsible for the overall and financial management of projects, negotiating contracts and subsequent variations/addendums, liaising with clients and stakeholders, and ensuring that all deliverables were submitted to the Client according to schedule.

Nils Gardek led the preparation of the ESIA and Resettlement Action Plan for the project, ensuring that gender issues were incorporated into the project design, particularly concerning improving water and sanitation for informal settlements.

Country: Lao PDR

Client: Savannakhet Department of Public Works and Transport / Asian Development Bank

Project Consultant: Sweco Danmark A/S

Duration: 2014 – 2017

The three towns of Kaysone, Phomvihane, Phine, and Dansavanh lie on the economic corridor linking Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The project was undertaken with assistance from ADB to unlock the potential for development and trade by targeting environmental and road infrastructure.

The project objectives were adopting and implementing Strategic Local Economic Development Plans in the project towns in Savannakhet provinces, implementing priority urban infrastructure investments, and strengthening institutional capacities for urban development.

The sub-projects included sewerage and 3 WWTPs (serving a total of 104,000 pop. in 2030), sanitary landfill and materials recovery facility, urban roads in all three project areas, as well as comprising, upgrading, and widening of a total of 25 km of roads and the construction of a bridge in Dansavanh, and a Riverbank Protection project in Kaysone Phomvihane.

The consultants aided in project management support and capacity development in project implementation in technical aspects of design, construction, and operation and maintenance (O&M) of urban infrastructure facilities.

As a Project Director, Jens Thøgersen was responsible for the overall and financial management of projects, negotiating contracts and subsequent variations/addendums, liaison with clients and stakeholders, and ensuring that all deliverables were submitted to the Client according to schedule.

Nils Gardek performed as Project Manager and International Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist. He was responsible for project management. He developed the project performance monitoring system (PPMS) and trained project staff in implementing PPMS and a social and environmental safeguards policy.

Nils Gardek also led the preparation of the project proposal and procurement for Sweco, including writing the methodology and recruitment of the experts.

Country: Vietnam

Client: JICA / Government of Vietnam

Project Consultant: Sweco Danmark A/S

Duration: 2015 – 2017

Due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, the amount of industrial wastewater and domestic sewerage is rising in Vietnam. Still, as the sewerage systems are underdeveloped, the water environment has deteriorated severely in urban areas. In Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, polluted river water affects not only the city’s canal but also the main rivers in the city, including the Saigon and Dong Nai Rivers, which serve as water sources.

This project aimed to lessen the damage caused by flooding and raise the capacity for treating polluted water by improving the sewerage and drainage system in Ho Chi Minh City. The project contributed to improved sanitation and better urban living conditions.

The project works included the expansion of WWTP (325 MLD) and enhancement of the intermediate pumping station (175 MLD) and sewer lines (3.6 km twin box culvert and sections of pipe jacking 2 x D 1,500 mm). The consultancy services included detailed design and construction supervision. The project investment cost was approximately USD 295 million.

As a Project Director, Jens Thøgersen was responsible for the overall and financial management of projects, negotiating contracts and subsequent variations/addendums, liaison with clients and stakeholders, and ensuring that all deliverables were submitted to the Client according to schedule.

Country: Sri Lanka

Client: National Water Supply & Drainage Board / Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Project Consultant: Sweco Danmark A/S

Duration: 2013–2017

The Jaffna and Kilinochchi Water Supply and Sanitation Project was part of efforts to assist the Government of Sri Lanka in the social and physical enhancement of the North, which was earlier subjected to a conflict that compromised modernized infrastructure development in the North for an extended period.

The project was designed to provide safe drinking water to 300,000 people in water-scarce areas of the Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts and pipe-borne sewerage facilities for around 80,000 people in the Jaffna Municipal Council area.

The project's objective was to improve Jaffna and Kilinochchi's water supply and sanitation infrastructure. The scope of work includes detailed engineering design and tender documents, construction supervision, commissioning of the WTP (35 MLD), Design-Build (FIDIC Yellow Book) works for Iranaimadu and Palai intakes, raw water mains, and water treatment Works. The project also included the development and implementation of NRW reduction programs.

As a Project Director, Jens Thøgersen was responsible for the overall and financial management of projects, negotiating contracts and subsequent variations/addendums, liaison with clients and stakeholders, and ensuring that all deliverables were submitted to the Client according to schedule.

Country: Sri Lanka

Client: Ministry of City Planning and Water Supply / World Bank

Project consultant: Sweco Danmark A/S

Duration: 2016 – 2017

The project directly benefitted approximately 107,000 households (426,000 people) with safe piped water supply (360 water supply schemes) – of which about 26,300 households were in urban towns, 15,800 in estates, and 64,900 homes in rural areas. The augmentation of existing methods benefitted approximately 25,800 homes. The sanitation program helped about 43,000 families in rural and estate sectors by building individual latrines.

The project financed the construction of strategically located septage treatment facilities in each of the project districts, which improved sanitation for people in towns and improved the environmental conditions in the catchment area of these facilities.

The project components included water supply and sanitation infrastructure, strengthening capacity, and project management.

The scope of works for the consultancy services was construction supervision, implementation of environmental and social safeguards, preparation of feasibility studies, bidding documents, and commissioning of an urban water supply system/septage treatment plants.

As a Project Director, Jens Thøgersen was responsible for the overall and financial management of projects, negotiating contracts and subsequent variations/addendums, liaison with clients and stakeholders, and ensuring that all deliverables were submitted to the Client according to schedule.

Nils Gardek performed as International Community Development Specialist and developed innovative strategies for ensuring community participation, and implemented the training program. 

As Project Manager, Nils Gardek also supervised day-to-day project implementation works. He also led the preparation of the project proposal and procurement, including the preparation of methodology and recruitment of experts.

Country: Myanmar

Client: Yangon City Development Committee / JICA

Project consultant: Sweco Danmark A/S

Duration: 2015 – 2017

The project's objective was to enhance water supply service by expanding water treatment facilities and improving the distribution network – thus, improving the living environment of residents in Greater Yangon.

The project components included a 181,800m3/day (40 MGD) water treatment plant, pumping stations, two water service reservoirs and three chlorination facilities, water transmission and main distribution pipelines, and one service reservoir.

The consulting services included detailed design, construction supervision, facilitation of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP), and guidance for the public awareness campaign.

As Social Assessment Specialist and Project Manager, Nils Gardek managed the project. He prepared the YCDC’s campaign plan and action plan for public education and awareness of public water supply. He guided and assisted YCDC in initiating the action plan with a monitoring mechanism.

County: Bangladesh

Client: World Bank / Chittagong Water Supply and Sewerage Authority

Project consultant: Sweco Danmark A/S

Duration: 2015 – 2017

Chittagong, the 2nd largest city in Bangladesh, was challenged to meet the growing demand for water for the growing population.

The CWSISP targeted infrastructure investments for increasing the production of safe water by CWASA, coupled with rehabilitation and expansion of its water distribution network to increase access to safe water within its service area. The project was implemented in Phase 1- Study and Design and Phase 2 – Construction Supervision.

The scope of works included designing a permanent control system to manage losses by the time the additional water production comes online, defining and designing network improvements (613 km), designing new transmission pipes (approx. 80 km, dia. 150 to 900 mm), coordinate and supervise the execution of all the interventions, restore 24-hour supply, and develop capacity for comprehensive active leakage monitoring and control.

As a Project Director, Jens Thøgersen was responsible for the overall and financial management of projects, negotiating contracts and subsequent variations/addendums, liaison with clients and stakeholders, and ensuring that all deliverables were submitted to the Client according to schedule.

Country: Bangladesh

Client: Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Dhaka WASA) / DANIDA

Project consultant: Sweco Danmark A/S

Duration: 2010 – 2014

The project was established in response to the evident need for a substantial additional water supply for the growing population of Dhaka. It was implemented with DANIDA funding for the water treatment plant, raw water pre-treatment unit, and treated water transmission lines.

The project objective was to design, review, and supervise services for constructing a 225,000 m3/day surface WTP with 450,000 m3/day pre-treatment units for denitrification design and supervising 10 km of transmission pipeline.

The works contract was based on FIDIC Yellow Book Design & Build CoC, and DANIDA Mixed Credits financed it. The total project investment cost was $90 million.

As a Project Director, Jens Thøgersen was responsible for the overall and financial management of projects, negotiating contracts and subsequent variations/addendums, liaison with clients and stakeholders, and ensuring that all deliverables were submitted to the Client according to schedule.