Bulk water services supplier Lepelle Northern Water has issued a request for proposals for the provision of about 50 solar panel-covered parking bays at its head office in Polokwane, Limpopo.

Project technician Gys Lötter told Engineering News Online that the electricity generated by the panels would mainly be used for interior and exterior office lighting.

For contracts that exceeded R1.5-million in value, bidders from outside Limpopo would be required to enter into a consortium or joint venture with local historically disadvantaged individuals or suppliers.

The percentage of the contract value managed or executed by the local partner must be no less than 40%.

Lötter said the preferred bidder was expected to be announced before the end of September and that the successful contractor would also be responsible for installation of the solar panel-covered parking bays.

He added that the project was anticipated to reach completion by the end of June 2013.

Bidders have until August 16 to submit their proposals.