Rijkswaterstaat has published the tender for 4 framework agreements for the implementation of measures from the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) in East and Central Netherlands. The approximately 40 projects focus on the restoration of river nature in the floodplains of the IJssel, Nederrijn, and Lek, as well as the fringe lakes.
The start of the tender is a milestone for the realization of the final WFD measures in East and Central Netherlands. With this tender, a work package of over 350 million is being tendered, spread across 4 regions and dozens of locations.
‘We have a lot of work to do to meet the European WFD deadline for improving water quality,’ says Adrie Franken, program manager WFD East Netherlands. ‘That’s why we choose an approach that allows for collaboration, flexibility, and speed. We cannot do this alone; we need the market.
’The projects are divided into 4 parcels: IJssel-North, IJssel-South, Nederrijn–Lek, and Central Netherlands. For each parcel, 1 framework agreement will be concluded, and from this framework agreement, further agreements (NOKs) will be phased out under UAV-GC 2005. The designs are largely worked out. Depending on the size of the design, the duration of each further agreement varies.
The WFD measures focus on restoring the ecological characteristics of our water. This includes, among other things, the construction of side channels, nature-friendly banks, and lowering floodplains. The result is better ecological water quality through more underwater nature for a sustainable water system that fits within the current use for water safety and shipping.
The projects will be executed in a complex administrative landscape involving 3 provinces, 6 water boards, about 30 municipalities, and Staatsbosbeheer. To be effective, Rijkswaterstaat allows planning and contracting to proceed partially in parallel. Market parties are already providing input on scenarios related to zero-emission and phasing.
‘We are looking for partners who can adapt,’ says Franken. ‘The task is too large and too urgent for a traditional solution. This is collaboration across borders; literally and figuratively.
’Advice from, among others, the Taskforce Delta Technology and the Dutch Association of Water Builders has been incorporated into the setup of the tender. For bidders, the framework agreement offers a stable work inventory and room for substantive craftsmanship.
‘We are not only putting a large work package on the market here,’ concludes Franken, ‘but also a way of working that will help us reach the finish line of 2027 together.’
Information Meeting
The tender for the WFD framework agreements for East and Central Netherlands has now been published on TenderNed . On April 17, 2025, Rijkswaterstaat will organize an information meeting for interested market parties. Awarding is scheduled for the autumn of 2025.