Thatch Roofing and Concrete Coping Repairs

The uMgungundlovu Economic Development Agency (UMEDA) has invited qualified contractors to supply and install an additional thatch layer, repair damaged concrete copings and apply fire-retardant treatment to its facilities in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The stated covered footprint is approximately 170.57 m², across the Banana Block (75 m²), Admin Block (83 m²) and a Rondavel (about 12.57 m²). The contractor must verify the actual sloping roof surface areas, including pitch and overhangs, before pricing, as the stated figures are footprint areas only. Works include inspecting and preparing the existing thatch, removing loose or deteriorated material, installing a new layer of at least 150mm compacted thickness from eaves to ridge, and reinstating ridges, flashings, slopes and drip details. The contractor must also assess whether the existing roof structures can safely carry the additional load of roughly 35 to 75 kg/m², and reinforce them where required.

The concrete scope covers cracked, spalled or displaced copings. Repairs range from routing and sealing minor cracks with repair mortar, to making good spalled sections with non-shrink mortar of at least 30 MPa, to full replacement with 25 MPa concrete cured for at least seven days. Exposed reinforcement must be treated against corrosion. Materials must meet SANS standards and include UV-stabilised polypropylene twine, Class 3 galvanised fixing wires and treated timber battens where needed. Thatch samples must be submitted for approval before installation. Fire-retardant treatment is priced separately, subject to budget, and proof of application under local regulations must be provided. The workmanship warranty must be at least five years, and the works must be watertight on completion.

Bidders must submit a company registration certificate with certified director ID copies, completed MBD forms, CIDB 1GB grading, COIDA good standing, a valid tax compliance PIN, CSD registration and proof of municipal account good standing. Evaluation is by functionality first: relevant company experience, with at least two signed reference letters from thatching clients over the last five years, carries 40 points, and an implementation plan covering methodology, timelines and health and safety carries 30 points. A minimum of 40 out of 70 functionality points is required. Qualifying bids are then scored 80/20 on price and specific goals, with points for 100% black-owned (HDP) status and an office in the uMgungundlovu District. A compulsory site briefing takes place on 9 November 2026 at 11:00 at the eMpophomeni Zulu Tourism Experience. Sealed bids must be delivered to UMEDA House, UMEDA Show Grounds, 1 Howick Road, Wembley, Pietermaritzburg, by 12:00 on 17 November 2026. Late, faxed or emailed bids will not be accepted. Written queries should be sent to James Martin (james.martin@umeda.co.za) at least one week before closing, and bids remain valid for 90 days. Note that the source listing shows a draft status, so bidders should confirm the final version on eTenders before submitting.