Construction of Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II is set to begin following plans to advertise the tenders. The project statement tenders are set to be advertise anytime between now and mid 2019, ESI Africa has reported.
However the Polihali north-east access road is one of the critical infrastructure projects which must be completed prior to the construction of the main Phase II works: the Polihali dam and transfer tunnel.
Phase II of Lesotho Highlands Water Project comprises a wide range of small and large contracts. It offers contractors work continuity for a number of years and the opportunity to gain valuable experience on a large infrastructure project.
Tente Tente, Divisional Manager of Phase II at the LHDA says that the project will be instrumental in enhancing skills transfer.
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“The combination of local, regional and international expertise at the consulting and contracting level will also contribute to skills transfer and capacity building within the construction and engineering sector.”
Skills and technology transfer are embedded in the procurement and contract documents and the attainment of specified targets will be carefully monitored and enforced.
As a general rule, preference will be given to Lesotho nationals, South African nationals, professionals from the SADC region and then internationally in that order, subject to conditions on quality, competitiveness, transparency and cost effectiveness being met.
At the height of the construction period, Phase II will provide employment for between 2,000 and 3,000 people.