Objectives

The Greater Kokstad Municipality intends to appoint qualified electrical contractors to deliver three critical infrastructure upgrade projects. The primary objective is to enhance electrical network reliability, expand distribution capacity, and improve public lighting by replacing aging medium-voltage (MV) cables, installing new mini substations, and erecting high-mast lighting systems across designated municipal areas.

Scope of Work

• GKM 10-26/27 (Upgrading of Underground MV Cables – Phase 7): Comprehensive replacement and upgrading of existing underground MV cables, including supply and installation of 11kV cables, MV joints and terminations, full testing and commissioning, trenching through hard and soft rock, trenchless road crossings using HDPE pipes, installation of earth fault indicators with external strobes, site establishment and de-establishment, 24-hour site security, occupational health and safety compliance, environmental management, and submission of final as-built drawings.
• GKM 12-26/27 (Mini Substations): Supply and delivery of one 1000kVA mini substation for Community Resource Units (CRUs), plus supply, delivery, and installation of five 500kVA units across specified residential, industrial, and educational sites.
• GKM 13-26/27 (High Mast Lighting): Supply, delivery, and installation of a single high-mast lighting unit at Emoyeni 2.

Technical Requirements

• Use of SABS-approved 150mm² PILC 3C SWA PVC Cu 11kV cables and 70mm² 1C PVC SWA Cu earthing cables.
• Execution of MV splicing, termination, and insulation resistance (Megger) testing to verify cable integrity before and after installation.
• Pre-construction service detection and route mapping, including road crossing studies.
• Trenchless excavation methods for provincial and municipal road crossings, utilizing 160mm HDPE pipes.
• Installation of earth fault indicators with external strobes, paired with dedicated 16A two-pole circuit breakers and 1.5mm² control cabling.
• Submission of final as-built drawings in both hard copy and CAD formats.
• Strict compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Construction Regulations, and a site-specific Environmental Management Plan.
• Maintenance of 24-hour site security, provision of comprehensive PPE, fall arrest systems, shoring, and excavation barricading.
• Bidders must utilize the corrected Bill of Quantities (BOQ), which replaces the original document that incorrectly displayed zero prices. ISO 9001 certification is explicitly withdrawn as a mandatory requirement.

Skills Requirements

• Proven expertise in medium-voltage electrical installations, cable laying, jointing, termination, and commissioning.
• Competence in civil excavation works, including rock breaking, tar and paving reinstatement, and safe relocation of existing utilities.
• Strong project management capabilities, including site establishment, contractor supervision, and multi-disciplinary coordination.
• Familiarity with municipal compliance frameworks, OH&S legislation, and environmental management protocols.
• Proficiency in CAD drafting for accurate infrastructure documentation and as-built drawing preparation.
• Functional evaluation will be conducted according to the criteria and methodology outlined in section T.1.1.15 of the original tender documents.

Notes on Specialized Terms

• CRUs: Likely refers to Community Resource Units, municipal facilities requiring dedicated power distribution infrastructure.
• PILC: Paper Insulated Lead Covered, a traditional type of medium-voltage cable known for robust insulation properties.
• Trenchless Excavation: Non-invasive directional drilling or boring techniques used to install pipelines beneath roads without disrupting surface traffic or infrastructure.
• Megger Test: An insulation resistance test performed to verify the electrical integrity and prevent faults in cables before and after termination.
• As-Built Drawings: Final engineering plans that accurately reflect the installed configuration, incorporating any field adjustments or deviations from initial designs.
• Retention Clause: A standard construction payment term where 10% of each progress payment is withheld until the conclusion of the defects liability period to ensure long-term quality assurance.