Retail water storage tanks play a vital role in maintaining business continuity during municipal water interruptions. At Moffett Retail Park in Gqeberha, SBS Tanks delivered a fully engineered backup water storage system designed to provide reliable water security for a major retail development located above the municipal hydraulic gradient. The project demonstrates how coordinated engineering, civil works integration, and modular tank design deliver resilient commercial water infrastructure under challenging site conditions.
Delivered under SBS project number SBS3336, the system was developed in collaboration with Engineering Advice and Services (Pty) Ltd and implemented for Ummi Properties (Pty) Ltd, with installation support from Ihlosi Construction CC. The final solution comprised three interconnected SBS ST08-05 modular steel tanks with supporting ring beams.
Retail centres depend heavily on uninterrupted water supply for sanitation, cleaning, tenant operations, and food services. Moffett Retail Park is positioned at a higher elevation relative to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality’s water network, making it particularly vulnerable to supply interruptions during drought conditions, load shedding affecting pumping infrastructure, and broader municipal disruptions.
To mitigate this risk, Ummi Properties (Pty) Ltd required a dedicated backup water storage system capable of maintaining continuity of operations during prolonged or frequent water outages.
From the outset, SBS Tanks worked closely with the consulting engineers to define the technical and spatial requirements of the system. The final design was the result of direct collaboration between all stakeholders, ensuring alignment between hydraulic performance, site constraints, and retail operational needs.
Key coordination activities included:
This early-stage collaboration ensured the project progressed with clear technical agreement and reduced downstream design risk.
The engineering solution was developed around a space-constrained footprint, requiring a modular approach rather than a single large tank installation.
The final configuration included:
Special attention was given to hydraulic connectivity between tanks to ensure consistent performance across the system, while maintaining flexibility for future maintenance and operational access.
Nozzles and downpipes were specified with a specialised protective coating as required by the consulting engineer, enhancing long-term durability in a commercial environment.
All tank components were manufactured under SBS Tanks’ ISO-accredited quality management systems, with structured Quality Control Plans (QCPs) governing every stage of production.
Quality control measures included:
This ensured that all three tanks met specification requirements prior to dispatch, reducing installation risk and ensuring consistency across the modular system.
Although a domestic project, the delivery required precise coordination due to multi-component sequencing and civil works dependencies.
SBS Tanks managed:
This ensured that installation could proceed immediately upon civil readiness, avoiding unnecessary downtime on site.
Civil works and installation were tightly coordinated to ensure structural readiness and efficient execution.
Installation activities included:
The modular approach enabled rapid installation while maintaining strict quality and safety control.
A key design challenge was the limited available footprint at Moffett Retail Park. A single-tank solution was not feasible without compromising capacity or access.
SBS Tanks resolved this through:
This approach allowed the project to achieve full required capacity while adapting to real-world site constraints without extending programme duration.
The completed system provides Moffett Retail Park with a resilient backup water supply designed specifically for retail continuity.
Key outcomes include:
This project reinforces the value of modular engineered tanks in urban commercial developments where infrastructure resilience is critical.
SBS Tanks is a leading manufacturer of corrosion-resistant modular bolted steel water storage tanks designed for commercial, industrial, mining, and infrastructure applications. With ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 accredited systems, SBS delivers engineered water storage infrastructure built for reliability, performance, and long-term durability across demanding environments.
Does SBS Tanks provide turnkey installation support?
Yes. SBS Tanks provides end-to-end support including engineering coordination, manufacturing QA/QC, logistics alignment, and installation supervision.
Can SBS Tanks work within space-constrained developments?
Yes. Modular tank configurations allow flexible layouts tailored to restricted urban and commercial sites.
Are coatings and specifications customisable?
Yes. Components such as nozzles and downpipes can be specified with protective coatings based on engineering requirements.
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