13 contractors selected under TFM’s specifications are preparing to start work in the DRC
The selection process for contractors to implement Tenke Fungurume Mining’s specifications has come to an end. The lucky ones selected were invited to TFM’s facilities for a first working session with the internal stakeholders of the specifications on Thursday, March 10, in particular the heads of Community Development, which is responsible for steering the specifications, Community Relations and Contracts.
The train is now running. These entrepreneurs are expected to effectively launch the projects in the specifications. And to ensure good ethics in the execution of the projects, the thirteen contractors selected were entitled to an open-hearted exchange with the service in charge of contracts. Previously, the director of community relations wanted to let them know that TFM expected “exemplary behavior” from them. Also, Horson Long reminded them that “TFM values the respect of the community very much, and that as contractors executing the projects of the specifications, they are an extension of TFM”.
This behavior is expected at all levels, ie from the process of recruiting their workforce, through the execution of the work to the delivery of the works. The contractors were treated to a briefing on the operational and administrative requirements, followed by a fruitful exchange during which they were able to express their concerns. Grégoire Kapenga of Contracts listened attentively and responded to the various concerns raised.
Adding to this, the Director of Community Development, Edouard Swana, reminded them of TFM’s mission through the specifications, that of contributing to the sustainable development of communities in the TFM concession. This involves the development of works of community interest as well as support for multiple local initiatives.
The 13 projects to be accomplished mainly concern education, road and agricultural infrastructures as well as trading places. These include the construction of two schools in Kilusonsa and Kafwaya, the construction of a social center in Pumpi, the development of a playground in Tenke, the construction of a market in Nguba, the redevelopment of the New Mitumba car park , the construction of four sheds for agricultural tractors in Kando, Lukotola, Nguba and Tshilongo; the mechanical rehabilitation of 8.3 km of roads in Tenke, the construction of a bridge weighing more or less 40 tonnes in Fungurume, the rehabilitation using the HIMO method of 4.8 km of dirt road on the Lukotola Tembo- Mwanga Kakunta.
The thirteen contractors selected are local SMEs working for the most part in construction. These are Becor Trading sarl, Kris Construction sarl, Baka All Business, EKMM sarl, Tujenge Congo sarl, ATKG ONGD, Archdiocese of Lubumbashi, Sun-Set Business Engineering sarl, SAJE sarl, FIDUS sarl, CIC sarl, Tshiwish Entreprise Multi Services sarl, Grain sarl.
These contractors are among the 200 who responded to the call for tenders launched by TFM in October 2021. They were selected following a transparent and participatory procurement process.
TFM’s specifications were officially signed in January 2021 and the approval by the Mining Cadastre of the schedule of commitments vis-à-vis the obligations took place in July. It defines TFM’s social responsibility towards the communities impacted by its project.
