The search by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) for a private sector company to “design, develop, construct, maintain and operate” the new Port of Durban passenger terminal has turned out to be a no-no.
According to CE Richard Vallihu, TNPA embarked on two consecutive rounds of requests for proposals (RFPs).
But, after 25 RFP documents were sold, and 23 companies were represented at last year’s briefing session, only a single bid was received.
And it was declared administratively and substantively non-responsive, hence the non-award, said Lauriette Modipane, commercial and marketing GM at TNPA.
This, Vallihu added, “has demonstrated that there may currently be limited appetite in the market for a private player to pursue this project.”
TNPA said it would embark on a third open bid process within six months and would also review the scope of the project.
