Borehole Construction and Refurbishment Services

Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) invites experienced contractors to deliver a borehole water supply programme aimed at giving rural communities continuous access to clean, potable water and reducing reliance on municipal water tankers. This is a re-advertised tender. The contract covers the full cycle of new borehole development and the refurbishment of damaged existing boreholes, with the main project site in Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Local Municipality. The service provider may also be directed to implement work in any of the other six local municipalities within the district. Sites will be selected in or near existing villages based on groundwater study results.

The scope of work includes hydrogeological studies to identify areas with sufficient groundwater, followed by siting and drilling of boreholes (165mm diameter, to approximately 120m, with steel casing and perforated sections). Each borehole must be cased, equipped, and subjected to yield and water quality testing over 24 hours. Contractors must also supply and install a 5,000L elevated storage tank on a 3m tank stand with a concrete base, along with approximately 80m of 50mm HDPE pipework and a standpipe with 20mm taps. A provisional sum is allowed for extending 50mm HDPE pipe where households are more than 140m from the borehole. Depending on site conditions, the borehole will be equipped as one of three options: an electrical (submersible pump with Eskom connection and control box), a windmill or handpump, or a solar-powered system with inverter, backup power and anti-theft protection. Refurbishment of existing windmills and handpumps is priced at marked rates, covering dismantling, testing, casing replacement where needed, and recommissioning. Commissioning is included in all works. Pricing must be inclusive of all costs, with VAT added at the end, and the BOQ includes a 10% contingency. Work requires a formal quotation and official order from GSDM before commencement.

Qualification requirements include a minimum CIDB contract grading of 3CE, active Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration, a valid SARS Tax Compliance PIN, a municipal rates account clearance, and a B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit. Bids are evaluated on 80 functionality points and 100 total points using the 80/20 preference system, with a minimum functionality score of 69 points required to proceed. Functionality criteria cover traceable borehole projects completed in the last five years (at least five projects for maximum points), the qualifications and experience of the contracts manager, site agent and safety officer (with certified copies required), construction plant (owned or hired drilling rig and yield-testing equipment, with proof of ownership or a letter of intent), membership of the Borehole Water Association of Southern Africa or equivalent body, and professional indemnity cover of at least R5 to R10 million. The 20 specific goal points favour youth, women, people living with disabilities, and businesses located within the GSDM area. A compulsory clarification briefing takes place on 10 November 2026 at 11:00 at the GSDM Ermelo offices, Auditorium Level 2. Bids close on 18 November 2026 at 12:00, and are valid for 90 days. Payment is made within 30 days of invoice receipt. The project runs for 12 months from contract signing, subject to quarterly reviews.