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Prosper Ndlovu, Business Editor
SOUTH African contractor Tearracotta Trading Private Limited has started shortlisting local companies that are likely to participate in the $60 million integrated Egodini Mall and Intermodal Public Transport Hub construction project in Bulawayo.

The mega re-development project is expected to take off soon following conclusion of technical consultation processes.

Companies from Bulawayo and other parts of the country have up to December 1, 2017 to submit their bids to participate in the ambitious project, which is expected to change the face of the city.

The project to be undertaken in phases, is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and after completion.

Yesterday officials from Tearracotta met local contractors and engineering technocrats from the city council at a local hotel to discuss the evaluation criteria for qualifying firms and tender submission procedure under Phase 1 of the project.

Company official, Mr Sikelela Mhlanga, gave a brief on the participating company evaluation criteria as well as expected documentation and submission guidelines.

He said Tearracotta was keen to work with capable local contractors in line with the country’s empowerment regulations and stressed the need for quality workmanship and professionalism.

“We are in a stage of shortlisting contractors that would participate in the project. The track record and experience of a company in handling such projects is critical,” said Mr Mhlanga.

“We gauge the ability of the company to deliver by looking into aspects such as management teams, existing skills and qualifications as well as ascertaining technical capacity of the bidder using the asset register.”

The qualification criteria also covers bidder’s proof of completed projects, financial capacity, procurement plan, letter of intent, subcontracting and employment plans among others.

The consolidation of various public transport routes into Egodini site, situated at corner Basch Street and 8th Avenue Extension, is in line with the City of Bulawayo’s strategic plan to establish a modern, orderly, safe and convenient intermodal public transport network that will improve the public transport system within the city. The proposed site also provides an ideal opportunity to incorporate various retail, commercial and entertainment facilities, which will contribute towards the overall commercial viability and success of the Egodini project.

According to the contractor Phase 1 of the Egodini project will be constructed on the lower level of the site bordered by Basch Street on the east.

“The primary focus of Phase 1 of the project is the development of the intermodal public transport interchange (bus terminal and taxi rank) and the informal traders’ facility. Phase 1 will also include select retail activities in the form of a grocery anchor, fast food outlets, a motor repair facility and a fuel station,” it said.

As part of the project rollout, Bulawayo residents are set to acquire up to 30 percent shareholding in the project, based on actual construction costs. The public offer would open in mid-2018 and will be targeted at specifically enabling the ordinary resident of Bulawayo to participate, making this project one that truly belongs to all the people of Bulawayo, the contractor has said.

Given the liquidity challenges facing the country’s economy, indications are that contractors would to try and source all other materials and equipment locally.

“We especially want to encourage women and youth owned businesses to come and participate in the construction process. We look forward to finally being able to provide a clean working environment for informal traders and decent facilities for all public transport commuters,” said Tearracotta director, Mr Thulani Moyo.

The South African firm won the tender to build a state-of-the-art shopping mall about two years ago but work is yet to start. The delays have led to speculation that the project had suffered a stillbirth.