By 
By Phephile Motau
Potential bidders for the E2.7 billion Mpakeni Dam and Associated Works project by the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (ESWADE) still have a chance to submit their bids.
This is because the deadline for submission has been extended from January 31 to February 14. This was confirmed by ESWADE’s Strategy and Communications Manager Nokwazi Hlophe.
This is Phase 1A of the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme Phase IA (MNWAP) which is designed to benefit 100 000 emaSwati, covering a total area of 30 000 ha. In addition, about 10 000 job opportunities will be created and local people will be targeted to benefit. The project targets seven chiefdoms in the Shiselweni region.
The purpose of the Mkhondvo Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project is to bring water to the Shiselweni Region through the construction of the Mpakeni Dam and water transfer from the Mkhondvo River.
A specific procurement notice by ESWADE invited for bids works without prequalification. It further states that the government has received financing from the AfDB towards the cost of the MNWAP and intends to apply part of it under the contract for the construction of the Mpakeni Dam and Associated Works, including the Permanent Access Roads.
It is stated that bidding will be conducted through the Open Competitive Bidding (International)procedures as specified in the AfDB’s Procurement Framework for Bank Group Funded Operations.
The dam will have 1 800 000m3 earth/rock/clay fill and a 35m wide rectangular spillway with a plunge pool, intake tower with elevated intakes, and 2 x 2D bottom outlets. It also consists of the construction of the Mpakeni Dam Permanent Access Road consisting of a 15km single carriage double lane bitumen sealed road to the Mpakeni Dam site in the Shiselweni Region in Eswatini, for a construction period of 51 months.
Bids must be delivered to ESWADE Head Offices in Siphofaneni on or before January 31, 2023, at 2 pm and electronic bidding is not permitted. Bids will be publicly opened in the presence of the bidders’ designated representatives and anyone who chooses to attend at the ESWADE offices. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of E56 million.
