Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure artisan stovepipe welders/boilermakers, welding machines, and related equipment to support Ethekwini Water Services over a 36-month period. The aim is to ensure the availability of skilled personnel and equipment necessary for water infrastructure projects, including welding of steel water mains, pipe repairs, and related fabrication tasks, in accordance with specified standards such as API 1104.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Provision of approximately fifteen (15) artisan stovepipe welders/boilermakers, fifteen (15) semi-skilled artisan assistants, fifteen (15) 400-amp welding machines (weighing about 300kg), welding equipment, and one supervisor.
• Deployment of personnel and equipment at the eThekwini Municipality Engineering Fabrication Workshop for a 36-month contract.
• Work to involve welding of steel water mains, repair, and fabrication activities following API 1104 standards, using MMA and Flux-Cored Arc Welding processes.
• Provision of supervision, safety inspections, and maintenance of equipment.
• Adjustments in personnel and equipment based on departmental workload and project needs.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications include:

• Skilled artisan stovepipe welders/boilermakers must be competent in boiler making and welding steel water mains per API 1104 standards, using MMA and Flux-Cored Arc Welding processes.
• Welders must qualify their welding procedures according to API 1104, with appropriate testing and inspection procedures (radiographic, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, ultrasonic).
• Provision of diesel-powered 400-amp welding machines with a minimum of 300kg weight, capable of multi-process welding (TIG, MMA, MIG, arc gouging), with generator power of at least 8,000 watts.
• Welding machines must be trailer-mounted, roadworthy, and equipped with safety features, digital ammeters, hour meters, and flip-up service panels for maintenance.
• Provision of PPE including flame-retardant overalls, gloves, helmets, goggles, ear protection, face masks, and steel toe boots.
• Adherence to safety standards, weekly/monthly inspections, and maintenance in line with eThekwini SHE policies.

Skills Requirements

The tender specifies that personnel must possess:

• Minimum five (5) years of proven relevant experience as artisan stovepipe welders/boilermakers, with trade test certification and knowledge of welding procedures (TIG, MMA, etc.).
• Ability to read blueprints, technical drawings, and interpret specifications accurately.
• Experience in welding steel water mains to API 1104 standards, including radiographic and non-destructive testing.
• Supervisory skills for foremen with proven experience in welding industry, capable of coordinating activities, inspecting work, and ensuring safety compliance.
• Semi-skilled artisan assistants must have basic welding support skills, including handling workpieces, operating welding equipment, and maintaining safety protocols.
• All personnel must hold valid certifications such as first aid, crane operation, and a valid South African driver’s license.

Additionally, personnel must demonstrate good communication skills, safety awareness, and the ability to work under supervision with minimal oversight.