Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to establish a framework for contractors to construct and reconstruct retaining walls across the eThekwini Municipality area over a three-year period. The framework aims to enable rapid response to emergencies such as damage, collapse, or adverse weather conditions, ensuring timely and competent construction and reconstruction of retaining walls to maintain safety and infrastructure integrity.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Partial or complete stripping of existing damaged or collapsed retaining walls made of concrete block, bricks, or precast units, including demolition of foundations.
• Provision of suitable disposal sites for demolition debris.
• Construction of new retaining walls as per detailed designs and drawings, matching final height requirements.
• Bulk earthworks such as cut, fill, import, and spoil removal.
• Protection works including gabions, reno mattresses, and loffelstein structures.
• Excavation for new concrete bases and compaction.
• Construction of retaining walls with adherence to engineer’s specifications.
• General tidying of sites post-completion.

The site conditions are varied, often in densely settled or rugged terrains, requiring labour-intensive access and handling. The framework also covers temporary works, site access, and environmental management.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Adherence to the Project Specifications, Standard Specifications, and applicable national/international standards.
• Approval from the Engineer prior to any deviation from drawings or specifications.
• Use of reasonable skill and care in construction, complying with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Proven experience in constructing similar retaining walls, with at least three contracts of similar nature within the past 7 years.
• Employment of qualified key personnel, including a Contracts Manager, Site Agent, and Foremen, with specified minimum experience and qualifications.
• Implementation of quality control measures, including testing and site supervision.
• Preparation of construction programmes, safety plans, and environmental management plans.
• Proven ability to manage underground and overhead services, water mains, sewers, electrical, and telecommunication infrastructure.
• Compliance with environmental and occupational health and safety standards, including community liaison and local labour employment.

Skills Requirements

The tender requires bidders to demonstrate:

• Experience in constructing retaining walls, earthworks, and related civil infrastructure, supported by certificates and references.
• Qualified key personnel with relevant experience and professional registration (e.g., SACPCMP, ECSA).
• Capability to develop and implement construction methodologies, quality control, and safety plans.
• Ability to manage subcontractors, particularly Targeted Enterprises, in line with B-BBEE and CIDB standards.
• Skills in project planning, programming, and resource management, including use of software such as Microsoft Project.
• Proficiency in environmental management, community liaison, and occupational health and safety compliance.
• Financial management skills, including cost control, claims, and procurement processes.
• Experience in handling site logistics, underground services, and infrastructure relocations.

Summary

This tender aims to establish a comprehensive framework for contractors capable of delivering high-quality retaining wall construction and reconstruction services across the municipality, with emphasis on experience, technical competence, environmental and safety compliance, and community engagement. The scope covers all aspects from demolition to construction, earthworks, temporary works, and environmental management, requiring skilled personnel and proven project delivery capacity.