Welsh Water embarks on an ambitious £752 million project to enhance its water network, issuing a tender that offers lucrative opportunities for construction firms.
- The network improvement project spans eight years and seeks partners to aid in metering and maintenance enhancements.
- A major contract highlights the plan to replace lead pipes and improve customer meter installations.
- The initiative is divided into two key contracts, covering areas like mains rehabilitation and water hygiene.
- Interested companies have a deadline of 5 September to submit their proposals for the massive undertaking.
Welsh Water, a non-profit entity, has initiated a significant procurement process aimed at enhancing its water network. This £752 million project forms part of the Water Network Alliance and focuses on comprehensive metering projects alongside other key improvements. Spanning a timeframe that includes the eighth asset management period (AMP8) from 2025 to 2030 and part of AMP9 until 2033, this initiative marks a keen investment in infrastructure enhancement.
The procurement is split into two substantial contracts. The first contract, valued up to £400 million, seeks businesses that can provide expertise in areas such as plumbing, water hygiene, and civil work. This involves tasks related to installing and replacing customer meters, establishing new connections with self-lay water pipes, and pinpointing leaks. Crucially, it also targets the identification and replacement of lead pipes, with an aim to improve water quality and reliability. Four companies are expected to be appointed for this lot.
The second contract, with a cap of £352 million, addresses mains rehabilitation. This involves replacing mains, carrying out excavation tasks, and handling urgent repairs, such as burst water lines. Seven contractors will have the opportunity to be selected for this lot, ensuring timely responses to any infrastructure emergencies.
Both contracts are initially set for a duration of five years, with an option for a three-year extension, highlighting Welsh Water’s commitment to fostering long-term partnerships within the sector. Companies eager to participate must submit their pre-qualification questionnaires by 5 September, with invitations for tender submissions or participation being issued by mid-October.
Ian Christie, Managing Director for Water Service, Capital Delivery, and Asset Planning at Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, expressed that this contract is pivotal to the firm’s goal of ongoing service enhancement. Christie pinpointed the necessity of partner collaboration to meet ambitious targets concerning leakage reduction, supply interruption minimisation, and water quality improvements.
This project underscores Welsh Water’s resolve to ensure superior quality and service for its customers through strategic partnerships.
