Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to supply and deliver wooden poles, including cross-arms, that meet specified standards and quality requirements, within the stipulated timeframe of by 25 March 2026. The project aims to ensure the procurement of durable, treated, and compliant wooden poles suitable for power transmission and related infrastructure needs of the City of uMhlathuze.

Scope

The scope encompasses the supply and delivery of all types of wooden poles and cross-arms as specified in the relevant standards and specifications. It includes:

• Provision of poles made from approved timber species (Eucalyptus and Pine) as listed in the specifications.
• Compliance with standards such as SANS 753, SANS 754, and other referenced normative documents.
• Adherence to treatment, drying, strength testing, and marking requirements.
• Delivery to the designated address in accordance with specified quantities and timelines.
• Inclusion of necessary documentation such as certificates, labels, and test records.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Use of timber species listed in tables, with specific properties such as maximum fibre stress and taper.
• Crack definition: separation greater than 4mm in width and at least 1 x diameter in length.
• Proper kiln drying with automatic recording of temperature, humidity, and cycle parameters.
• Strength testing: 80% of the ultimate load applied for 15 seconds on samples, with all poles tested and recorded.
• Nail plating on eucalyptus poles, with specified minimum coverage and galvanised nails.
• Preservative treatment with creosote (Type 2, 3, or 4) at specified retention levels, ensuring hazard class H4 or H5 as applicable.
• Marking and labeling: each pole must have a fixed label indicating treatment details, size, and unique identification numbers.
• Moisture content verification prior to treatment and after kiln drying.
• Compliance with relevant standards such as SANS 753, SANS 754, and SANAS accreditation for treatment and testing facilities.
• Record keeping of kiln schedules, moisture content, and treatment parameters for audit purposes.

Skills Requirements

The successful supplier must possess:

• Qualified personnel with expertise in timber treatment, drying, and testing processes.
• Certified quality management personnel familiar with ISO9001:2000 standards.
• Technical staff capable of conducting strength tests, moisture content analysis, and inspection of treated poles.
• Personnel trained in proper handling, stacking, and transportation of timber products to prevent damage and ensure compliance.
• Documentation and record-keeping skills to maintain detailed logs of kiln cycles, test results, and treatment records.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant standards and specifications accurately.