Malawi moves to install Lilongwe fibre network

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 .