Sakhalive JV assures local participation
MBABANE – The joint venture that was awarded the Mpakeni dam contract promised to use CIC registered contractors.
The most lucrative project in the country at the moment, with a total value of E2.6 billion, was awarded to the Sakhalive Joint Venture (JV) about two weeks ago.
Sakhalive JV is a joint venture between two Chinese companies, Yellowriver and Sinohydro Bureau 3.
The tender for the Mkondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP) was issued by the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (ESWADE), and the contract was given to the Chinese business after no local proposals were submitted.
Only two companies showed interest in the tender, and these were Sakhalive JV and WHBHO/ Steftocks Mpakeni JV from South Africa.
Opportunities
WHBHO/Steftocks Mpakeni JV is a joint venture between WBHO Construction Company and Stefanutti and Stocks from South Africa.
YellowRiver Director Yang Sheya said they would ensure adequate opportunities were availed for 45% of E2.6 billion (E 1 170 000 000) 15% of E2.6 billion (E 390 000 000) 10% of E2.6 billion (E 260 000 000) 10% of E2.6 billion (E 260 000 000) 15% of E2.6 billion (E 390 000 000) 5% of E2.6 billion (E130 000 000) 100% (E2 600 000 000)
local companies registered with CIC. He said there were numerous opportunities for emaSwati in different phases.
When asked how these opportunities would be availed for locals, Sheya mentioned that they would be working closely with ESWADE and government; hence, more would be communicated when the project commences.
There were concerns in the construction industry about the preference of locals in the project, and the contract winners have agreed that they were required to first seek services locally before considering outsourcing.
SOME OF THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILED FOR LOCALS (not part of the estimated cost)
“If we need an engineer or a consulting firm, we will first explore all possibilities locally before we search for the skills outside the country,” exemplified Sakhalive JV. During the award ceremony, YellowRiver Sheya also added that their history and experience in building dams and related structures dated back 60 years. He said they had vast experience in building clay core rockfill dams, RCC dams, concrete double curvature works, arch dams, and concrete gravity dams, to name a few.
“Based on our rich experience and good cooperation with the employer, we are confident in the
Construction of energy storage facility timely completion of the project with the best quality. We will also ensure adequate technology and knowledge transfer to the local employee, build the capacity of local construction companies by sub-contracting, and ensure local suppliers benefit from the construction of the works,” he added.
Projects
Yang also mentioned that it was very important to highlight that such projects did not only deliver the infrastructure to be built, but also transform people’s lives through employing human resources locally, which translates to economic benefits for the communities and the nation at large.
Sinohydro Bureau 3 Co. Ltd. is a Chinese company that provides engineering and construction services. The company contracts for hydro-power engineering, housing construction, road works, and other projects.
YellowRiver Engineering Consulting Co. is also a Chinese company that is engaged in the businesses of river basin and regional planning, project survey, design, scientific research, consulting, supervision, project management, general contracting, investment, and operation of projects.
The Mpakeni Dam project is a project by ESWADE and is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), also the construction of the dam is expected to take four years.
Ceremony
The contract signing ceremony was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane, ESWADE, Sakhalive JV, and government were represented.
ESWADE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sam Sithole said in his remarks that they were tasked by the Government of Eswatini to implement MNWAP. He said government was granted permission to undertake advance procurement for the Mpakeni Dam and associated works, including the Mpakeni Dam Main Access Road, in accordance with the AfDB guidelines.