Themba bridge: Info sessions for subcontracting

GEORGE NEWS - With construction on the upgrade of the Thembalethu bridge in George set to start in May, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) will be hosting information sessions with SMMEs to ensure they have all the necessary tools to tender for subcontracting opportunities.

Sanral says in a statement issued on Monday 4 April that the two information sessions will be held on Tuesday 12 April.

The first session will start at 09:00 at the Thembalethu Community Hall and the second at 14:00 at the Conville Community Hall.

"The scope of works involves the widening of the Thembalethu bridge across the N2 from a single carriageway to accommodate two lanes in each direction, with additional turning lanes as well as extra space for pedestrians and cyclists," says Petronella Theron, Sanral project manager.

She says a new bridge will be constructed on the western side.

"Once completed, the existing bridge will be raised and stitched to the new bridge, to ensure that the upgraded structure complies with the minimum bridge clearance of 5,2 metres."

Call for suppliers, subcontractors

The project liaison committee has called for current and prospective suppliers and subcontractors to apply to be registered on the subcontractor and supplier database.

This database is intended to ensure that the companies registered will receive communication about tender notices and will also give the main contractor an indication of the available expertise in the local community.

Subcontracting opportunities for construction include traffic accommodation, clearing, excavation of open drains, culvert structures, concrete kerbing and channelling, segmented block paving, stone pitching, road restraint systems, fencing, road signs, road marking and road studs, landscaping and planting plants, formwork, steel fixing and electrical.

Supplier contracts are available for fuel, concrete, steel reinforcement, plant hire, site security and training service providers.

"The information-sharing and training sessions are of cardinal importance to ensure we broaden the scope of economic opportunities to businesses in the surrounding communities. Our transformation objectives are particularly aligned to facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities, and women-owned and youth-owned businesses. We want to appeal to SMMEs to attend these sessions to ensure they are able to tender profitably and competitively," says Theron.