Objectives

The City of uMhlathuze aims to procure professional tree pruning and removal services across designated locations in Empangeni. The primary objective is to execute safe, compliant, and efficient arboricultural work while protecting public infrastructure, private property, and surrounding vegetation, in accordance with national environmental legislation and municipal health and safety standards.

Scope of Work

• Locations: Multiple sites including 22 Corrade Avenue, 07 Higgs, 19 Lewis Botha, J1 1825, and the Ngwelezane Magistrate Court.
• Core Activities: Pruning and felling of designated trees, including dry alien species adjacent to properties cleared during invasive plant control operations.
• Debris Management: Complete removal of all logs, limbs, chips, sawdust, and foliage. All waste must be transported to the designated Empangeni municipal dumping site.
• Site Restoration: Daily cleanup is mandatory. Sites must be returned to their original condition upon completion, excluding stumps. Lawn disturbances must be filled with sandy loam and reseeded with turf grass.
• Traffic & Public Safety: Strict adherence to traffic management protocols. Street blockages require prior approval from the Municipal Traffic Department. Contractors must deploy certified barricades, warning signs, and flag persons.

Technical Requirements

• Equipment: Chainsaws, rigging ropes, traffic cones, hazard tape, warning flags, and appropriate ground-clearance tools.
• PPE: Seven-layer overalls, hard hats, safety boots, eye protection, shin guards, and hearing protection.
• Safety & Compliance: Full compliance with national health and safety standards and municipal traffic safety guidelines. Vehicle flashing lights alone are insufficient for site protection. Uncontrolled tree dropping ("free falling") is strictly prohibited.
• Property & Utility Protection: Contractors must safeguard adjacent trees, lawns, and man-made structures. Immediate notification and liability for any utility damage are required. Coordination with utility providers is mandatory for overhead line conflicts.
• Documentation: Mandatory submission of Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration, SARS tax clearance, CIPC company registration, municipal rates compliance proof, a letter of good standing, a comprehensive Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) file, and completed standard municipal bid declaration forms.

Skills Requirements

• Valid chainsaw training and competency certificates.
• Minimum of two years' practical experience in tree felling, pruning, or arboriculture.
• Active public indemnity insurance to cover third-party liability and property damage claims.
• Conditional accreditation with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) if catering or technology-related services are involved.

Explanation of Specialized Terms

• Frilled during alien plant control: Refers to trees marked or treated during municipal invasive species eradication programs to prevent ecological spread.
• Free falling: The practice of allowing an entire tree to drop uncontrolled. This is prohibited due to extreme safety risks to personnel, pedestrians, and infrastructure.
• CSD (Central Supplier Database): The official South African government portal used to register, verify, and monitor supplier compliance and financial standing.
• MBD Forms: Standard municipal bid documents requiring legal declarations regarding conflict of interest, past contractual performance, independent bidding certification, and preferential procurement scoring.
• SHE File: A documented Safety, Health, and Environment management system outlining risk assessments, emergency procedures, and compliance protocols required for site induction and ongoing audit.