Malawi moves to install Lilongwe fibre network

By: Marcel Chimwala

Published: 21 Nov 08 - 0:00

The government of Malawi has put out a tender for the supply,
installation, configuration, integration and testing of two fibre-optic
cables linking government establishments in the capital, Lilongwe.

The initiative is part of the World Bank-funded Financial Management, Transparency and Accountability Project (FIMTAP)

The
Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), which is the implementing
agency for FIMTAP, says bidding is open to entities from eligible
source countries as defined in the World Bank's guidelines.

"The
minimum qualification criteria for the bidders include previous
experience in fibre-optic installation and financial capacity," says
the chief secretary to the OPC, Bright Msaka, who adds that completed
bid documents must be submitted by December 4.

In a related
development, the OPC is inviting bids for the supply, installation and
commissioning of standby generators at government offices.

The
project, which is also part of the FIMTAP, comprises two lots, with the
first entailing the supply, installation and commissioning of 180-KVA
standby generators and 30-KV A uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units.

The second involves the supply, installation and commissioning of 65-KVA standby generators and 30-KV A UPS units.

Msaka
says bidders must provide documentary evidence that they have executed
at least three similar contracts in the last three years, and evidence
that they have the experience and technical capacity to carry out the
contract.

"The bidders are also expected to produce technical
catalogues outlining specifications demonstrating that the goods to be
supplied comply with minimum specifications, and a manufacturer's
authorisation form, if the bidder is not the manufacturer of the items
proposed to be supplied," says Msaka.

The deadline for the submission of bids is December 5.

Msaka
says the Malawi government is also inviting bids for the supply and
delivery of five diesel-engine vehicles, comprising three twincabs with
detachable metal canopies, one station wagon and one 30-seater minibus.

He says the deadline for the submission of bids is December 4, 2008