Main Substation MV Switchgear Replacement NEW

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works, on behalf of the Department of Health, is inviting tenders for the replacement of the main substation medium-voltage (MV) switchgear at Fort Napier Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. The existing 11kV installation supplies the hospital's main switchroom and several mini-substations serving wards, theatres, kitchens, laundry, and staff accommodation. The project is designed around a phased approach so that hospital power supply is maintained. Based on the tender drawings, the scope includes a temporary ring main unit (RMU) positioned beside the main switchroom to keep Substation A energised during the switchgear changeover, the installation of a new 100kVA mini-substation, and the isolation, disconnection, removal and replacement of the existing switchgear. Associated cable and jointing work, including new 70mm PILC cabling and a new joint, is also referenced.

The tender is classified as a works contract covering electrical, mechanical and civil work. Civil elements shown in the documents include switchroom refurbishment (door replacement with a galvanised steel door, wall scraping and repainting, and wall waterproofing options), minor repairs to the access ramp, and site preparation. The works must comply with the project specifications, which include the Standard Preambles to All Trades (January 2009 edition), SANS 1200-series specifications, and the Asbestos Regulations 2001, with an Approved Inspection Authority required for any asbestos-related work. Key contractual conditions include a performance guarantee and proof of valid premium payments with each payment certificate, no retention, a penalty of 0.04% of the contract price per calendar day for late reporting or non-compliance, and contract price adjustment under the CPAP indices (Statistics South Africa P0151). Subcontractors must be registered with the CIDB and have an active status at the time of tender submission. Tenderers are required to complete the Returnable Schedules, including CIDB registration details, a list of the five most relevant projects, the artisans and employees to be deployed, owned and hired plant, and an SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN. Preference is determined under the 80/20 or 90/10 points system, and tenderers must state which system they are claiming points under. The technical team on the project includes Ibuya Consulting Engineers (electrical) and MAP Africa Consultants (civil). Tenderers are strongly advised to visit the site before submitting a bid, as the documents state that no claims will be accepted based on ignorance of site conditions. Bids close on 9 December 2026.

For the client, the project delivers a modernised and more reliable medium-voltage distribution system for a critical public health facility, reducing the risk of unplanned outages to clinical and support services. For contractors, the opportunity is a substantial, multi-disciplinary electrical and civil project in a public healthcare setting. It offers the chance to demonstrate experience in live-network switchgear replacement, staged shutdowns, and work in an occupied hospital environment, all of which are valuable credentials for future public sector work. Interested parties should review the full bid document, the advert, and the drawing set carefully, confirm CIDB grading and subcontractor requirements, and plan a site inspection well ahead of the closing date.