In the arid landscapes of the Karoo, where water scarcity is a pressing challenge, securing reliable municipal water infrastructure is critical for sustaining communities. The Ikwezi Bulk Water Supply Project, spearheaded by Dr. Beyers Naude Municipality and funded by the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation (DWS), set out to modernize the water storage systems of Jansenville and Klipplaat – two rural towns struggling with outdated infrastructure.
SBS Tanks was selected as the trusted storage solution provider, partnering with Mazangwa Construction to install two high-capacity water tanks that would play a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable water provision:
Jansenville – ST25/06: 1.3Ml of water storage, powder coat colour: Chalk
Klipplaat – ST21/05: 775kl of water storage, powder coat colour: Savannah
Jansenville ST25/06: 1.3Ml
Municipalities across South Africa face similar water storage challenges, and Jansenville and Klipplaat were no exception. Their aging concrete reservoirs were deteriorating, leading to inefficiencies in water supply and increased maintenance costs, while feeling the pressures of increasing supply to a growing population. The project presented several key challenges:
• Aging Concrete Reservoirs – The existing infrastructure was in poor condition and needed either costly repairs or replacement.
• Extreme Karoo Climate – The tanks needed to withstand significant temperature fluctuations and arid conditions.
• Remote Installation Sites – In Jansenville, truck access to the installation site was impossible, requiring manual transportation of materials.
• High Iron Oxide Levels in Water – The presence of iron oxide meant a specialised aeration system was needed to ensure water quality met regulations.
• Strict Budget and Timelines – The project had to be executed within the funder’s financial constraints and the contractor’s schedule.
Klipplaat – ST21/05: 775kl
SBS Tanks worked closely with consulting engineers from Gilgal Newground JV to design and install storage tanks that seamlessly integrated with the municipality’s existing infrastructure. Read more about our Municipal & Public Tank benefits online here, with unique solutions offered to the Ikwezi Bulk Water Supply Project below;
1. Repurposing Existing Infrastructure for Cost Savings
Rather than demolishing and rebuilding costly foundations, SBS Tanks incorporated a reinforced concrete ring beam on top of the old reservoir bases, ensuring stability while significantly reducing project costs and minimising wastage.
2. Aesthetic and Environmental Considerations
While powder-coating the water storage tanks offers more protection against environmental extremities, it also offers colour options to suit local environments.
• The Jansenville tank was powder-coated in chalk colour to blend in with the existing concrete reservoirs to not draw the eye on the horizon.
• The Klipplaat tank featured a savannah-coloured coating, seamlessly integrating with the natural Karoo landscape.
3. Innovative Water Treatment for Improved Quality
A perforated HDPE aeration pipe was installed in the Jansenville tank, connected to an air pump, allowing iron oxide to settle at the bottom for clean water extraction. A sloped tank floor was then also designed to channel settled particles toward a centrally positioned scour outlet, ensuring easy cleaning and maintenance for a longer lifespan.
4. Overcoming Installation Challenges in Remote Locations
Due to limited site access for these remote locations, SBS Tanks’ installation team adapted by manually transporting materials using a TLB. Despite delays in pipework connections, SBS then returned promptly for final commissioning once the client had completed their infrastructure work.
Jansenville – ST25/06: 1.3Ml Klipplaat – ST21/05: 775kl
• Reliable Water Storage – The project delivered a sustainable and efficient water supply for local communities to over 1000 households, servicing approximately 8500 individuals.
• Cost-Effective Approach – Repurposing infrastructure significantly reduced project costs while maintaining structural integrity.
• Enhanced Water Quality – The aeration system ensures residents receive cleaner water, free from iron oxide contamination.
• Long-Lasting & Low-Maintenance – Modular steel design and protective lining minimise upkeep, ensuring decades of performance.
The success of the Ikwezi Bulk Water Supply Project has reinforced SBS Tanks’ reputation as a trusted partner in municipal water storage. Mazangwa Construction commended SBS Tanks for exceeding expectations and has already committed to using our solutions in future projects, including a 6Ml storage system in Transkei. Consulting engineers at Gilgal Newground JV valued SBS’s pre-design expertise and technical support, which played a key role in the seamless execution of multiple large-scale tank installations. Dr. Beyers Naude Municipality expressed satisfaction with the results, recommending SBS Tanks for future initiatives, including an 8Ml storage system set for 2025. Recognising the project’s success, the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation (DWS) has also prioritised SBS Tanks for upcoming water infrastructure developments in Kirkwood, Misgund, and Kakeelrivier.
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Why Municipalities Trust SBS Tanks for Water Storage
SBS Tanks are designed for durability, rapid deployment, and minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for municipal and public sector water projects. Compared to traditional concrete reservoirs and plastic tanks, SBS Tanks offer clear advantages:
Cost-Effective & Quick Installation – Modular design allows for rapid assembly, even in remote locations.
Engineered for Harsh Conditions – Galvalume steel with a protective liner ensures resilience against corrosion and extreme weather.
Customisable & Scalable – From small community projects to large-scale bulk water supply systems, SBS Tanks are tailored to fit any municipal need.
Low Maintenance, High Durability – Unlike concrete tanks that crack and deteriorate over time, SBS Tanks require minimal upkeep.
Partner with SBS Tanks for Superior Municipal Water Storage
The success of the Ikwezi Bulk Water Supply Project underscores why SBS Tanks are the preferred choice for municipalities, contractors, and consulting engineers across Africa.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, long-lasting, and cost-effective water storage solution for your municipal or public sector projects, SBS Tanks has the expertise and proven track record to deliver.
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SBS Tanks is Africa’s leading manufacturer and supplier of modular steel panel water storage tanks fitted with an internal liquid storage liner. With offices in Durban, Johannesburg & Cape Town, our factory services all provinces within South Africa and the SADC region. With ISO accreditation (ISO 45001 and ISO 9001) collaborating with a trusted supplier like SBS Tanks, can offer professional advice and a variety of premium tank alternatives to satisfy your various needs.
Contact one of our sales agents today or simply Request a quote here.
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