Rural Electrification Infill Connections (140 Households)

Okhahlamba Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal has invited bids for the appointment of a contractor to electrify 140 household infill connections in eMangwaneni, Ward 3, near Bergville (Phase 1, Tender TEC 04/2026). The project is funded by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and is designed to Eskom Distribution Standards. The contractor will supply all materials, except meters and bases, which the municipality provides. The contract covers the supply, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, energisation and handover of the electrical infrastructure, along with the administration needed to register the connections.

The estimated scope includes 31 transformer zones, with three new 32kVA 11kV transformers, reuse of existing units, and upgrades of several 16kVA and 32kVA units to 32kVA or 100kVA. It also includes about 0.93km of medium-voltage Fox conductor on wooden poles, roughly 17.6km of low-voltage ABC overhead line, around 7km of 6mm² Airdac service cable, 29 data concentrators with GSM modems and kiosks, the dismantling of redundant lines, and 140 pre-paid PLC split smart meters. Contractors must also provide sag and tension charts, as-built drawings, marked-up construction drawings, PCS files for energised connections, and installation certificates. Eskom standards apply, including Eskom-approved materials, marked conductor procurement, and Eskom training and accreditation for MV/LV line work. The site is a scattered rural area with rocky terrain, some difficult-to-access households, and recognised hazards such as live overhead lines, fall risks and public liability exposure. Bidders must include a Health and Safety Plan, a 10% performance security, and a sample reticulation sub-system for approval before construction starts.

The tender is evaluated on an 80/20 preference system, with 70% minimum functionality. Functionality criteria cover the site agent's qualifications and experience, safety officer credentials, trained personnel, owned or leased plant, traceable similar projects in the last seven years, and the work programme. Bidders must be CIDB registered at 5EP or higher. Preference points are awarded for B-BBEE status, ownership by women, youth or people with disabilities, and location in the uThukela District. The contract requires labour-intensive methods under EPWP rules, 50% local labour, and subcontracting of at least 30% of the contract to local CIDB-registered service providers. The municipality has noted a four-month duration in the Special Conditions and a six-month completion period in the Contract Data, so bidders should confirm the programme with the municipality. Penalties of R3,000 per day apply for non-compliance. Bids close on 20 November 2026 at 12:00 and must be hand-delivered to the Bergville bid box, as email and fax submissions are not accepted.