Next phase:
The Mtentu Bridge

Work on the construction of the Mtentu Bridge, near Lusikisiki, started on 11 January 2018. The R1.63bn project will take place over a period of 40 months and is expected to be completed by May 2021.

Two Project Liaison Committees (PLCs) have been formed, one on the North Bank (Mbizana) and one on the South Bank (Ingquza Hill) of the bridge site.

The PLCs consist of representatives from SANRAL, Aveng Strabag Joint Venture (contractor), HVA JV (engineer), Mbizana Municipality (North Bank PLC), Ingquza Hill LMA (South Bank PLC), representatives from the Local Council and Ward Committee, elected representatives of the local communities from Khanyayo (Mthentu South), Thahle (Mtentu South) and Amadiba (Mthentu North), representatives of the local Traditional Authority, Mkambati Trust (Mtentu South) and Business Chamber representatives.

It is important to appreciate that, as the Mtentu Bridge was tendered prior to April 2017, the contract does not have an SMME target of 30%, but rather a target of R100m. SANRAL has, however, committed to stipulating targets above 30% in some of its other N2 Wild Coast projects, implementing various community development projects, as well as unbundling a number of smaller construction projects to achieve an overall spend of 30% on SMME contractors and suppliers.

As for the Msikaba Bridge:
  • The second tender for the Msikaba Bridge went out in November 2017 and closed on 11 April 2018. After the requisite threemonth establishment and ramp-up period, construction on this cable-stayed bridge is expected to start in early 2019.
  • Three bids were received, with each comprehensive bid comprising several lever arch files. The bidders are: Concor Moto-Engil SA JV, Acciona Raubex JV and CCCS Msikaba Consortium (comprising China Communications Construction, CMC di Ravenna, CMI Infrastructures and Sarkum Housing).
  • The tender will be awarded at the earliest by the end of September and at the latest in December 2018.
  • The project includes a 36-month construction period, including three-month establishment and ramp-up period.
  • The scope of the tender was revised to enable a 30% SMME contract participation goal (CPG) target to be set.
  • The tender includes provision for a maintenance programme, which will help to maintain provincial and municipal roads (surfaced and gravel) negatively affected by additional construction traffic during the construction of the N2WCR. This maintenance programme has been earmarked for loca SMMEs as part of the CPG goal.