The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has responded to worries from local contractors over bid security requirements and participation rules in the African Development Bank-funded MR14/MR21 road project. The Ministry explained that the tender uses an Open Competitive Bidding International (OCBI) process, which allows contractors from all AfDB member countries to compete fairly with no special preference.
Bid security amounts, set between 1% and 3% of the project cost, follow international standards meant to ensure serious bidders. The Ministry cited previous projects, such as the Manzini to Mbadlane MR3 Highway and the Manzini Golf Course Interchange, where local companies successfully competed under similar conditions.
Local contractors are encouraged to participate on their own or form joint ventures with international firms to build capacity and gain experience. The project also allows subcontracting up to 30% of the civil works to local companies, and some parts will be procured exclusively through a National Competitive Bidding process open only to Eswatini contractors and consultants.
Officials say a media session will soon provide more details about the project and local business opportunities.
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