Objectives

The primary objective is to procure a qualified service provider to conduct systematic herbicide application across designated street verges within the City of uMhlathuze municipal area. The contract aims to achieve effective, long-lasting weed control while strictly adhering to public safety, environmental protection, and national regulatory standards.

Scope of Work

• Execute one comprehensive herbicide application cycle during October/November 2025.
• Spray a 10–15 cm wide band along street verges, explicitly excluding areas maintained or trimmed by residents.
• Conduct post-application inspections at least five days after spraying and retreat any missed vegetation to ensure maximum control.
• Maintain detailed daily logs documenting products used, dosages, sprayed locations, weather conditions, and operator details. Records must be submitted monthly alongside payment invoices.
• Implement strict environmental buffers, weather restrictions, and public safety protocols throughout all field operations.

Technical Requirements

• Product Specifications: Must be a registered systemic and residual herbicide for pre- and post-emergence control of annual and perennial broadleaf weeds and grasses. Acceptable active ingredients are either Glyphosate isopropylamine salt (240 g/L) combined with Glyphosate acid (180 g/L), or Terbuthylazine (345 g/L). Products must be single-formulated and not mixtures.
• Documentation: Bidders must submit Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), official product names, and registration numbers.
• Equipment: Hand-lance sprayers must be fitted with weed spray guards to prevent chemical drift. Valid equipment calibration certificates must be provided to the Council Supervisor before work commences.
• Application Parameters: Expected knock-down period is approximately three months. Spraying is strictly prohibited during rain, high winds exceeding 15 km/h, temperatures above 30°C, or when members of the public are in close proximity.
• Environmental Safeguards: Maintain 2–5 meter buffer zones from open water bodies, storm drains, and wetlands. Establish protective measures near sensitive areas such as schools, crèches, food gardens, and livestock zones. Empty chemical containers must be triple-rinsed, punctured, and disposed of at certified hazardous waste facilities.
• Emergency Preparedness: Maintain an on-site spill containment kit and a written emergency response plan, including direct contact details for regional poison control centres.

Skills & Qualifications Requirements

• Industry Experience: Minimum three years of proven industrial herbicide spraying experience, supported by documentary evidence.
• Licensing & Certification: Hold a valid Pest Control Operator (PCO) registration certificate and license; the PCO holder must be the company owner. The bidder or supervising officer must hold current membership with the South African Pest Control Association (SAPCA).
• Supervision: Appoint a qualified, full-time supervisor to oversee all field operations.
• Operator Competency: All applicators must complete herbicide handling, safety training, and first aid awareness programs. Workers must pass medical screenings to confirm respiratory fitness.
• PPE Compliance: Mandatory provision and continuous use of respiratory masks, safety goggles, long rubber gloves, safety boots, and protective suits. Non-compliance results in immediate contract cancellation.
• Administrative Compliance: Register with the Central Suppliers Database (CSD), provide a Tax Compliance Certificate, Letter of Good Standing, and complete all mandatory municipal bidding declaration forms. An approved health and safety file must be submitted prior to commencement.

Notes on Unusual or Complicated Terms

• Act 36 of 1947 (Pest Control Act): South African legislation governing the registration, sale, distribution, and application of pesticides. Strict compliance ensures legal chemical usage and protects public health.
• PCO License: A government-issued certification proving the operator has met national competency standards for safe pesticide application and storage.
• Triple-Rinsing & Puncturing: A standardized hazardous waste protocol where empty chemical containers are thoroughly cleaned three times, fully drained, and physically damaged to prevent accidental reuse, leakage, or environmental contamination.
• MBD Forms: Standard municipal bidding documents requiring formal declarations regarding conflicts of interest, past contractual defaults, and independent bid determination to prevent market collusion and ensure transparent procurement.