Nestled in the Southern Province of Zambia, Chikankata Mission Hospital stands as a critical care hub, serving over 100,000 people across the region. Operated by The Salvation Army in collaboration with the Zambian Government and supported by the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ), this 200-bed hospital is a beacon of hope, healing, and service. To ensure uninterrupted access to clean water for patients, staff, and the surrounding community, SBS Tanks partnered with Hans Plumbers and DH Engineering to install three robust water storage tanks – a project that now plays a vital role in the hospital’s day-to-day operations thanks to the elevated water tank.
The scope of this municipal/NGO hybrid project included the installation of:
Together, these tanks deliver a combined capacity of 370 kl of clean, potable water – enabling Chikankata Mission Hospital to operate with confidence, even during extended power outages or water interruptions.
One of the defining features of this project was the use of an elevated tank design, specifically engineered to take advantage of gravity-fed pressure. In a region where frequent load-shedding and power failures are the norm, this approach ensures that water remains accessible even when pumps stop running. The 15m-high stand delivers the necessary bar pressure to feed essential areas of the hospital, sustaining everything from patient care to sanitation. Review our Elevated tank range at 6m, 10m or 15m heights, here.
This project also marked SBS Tanks’ first-ever radial stand installation vs the standard square-shaped design – a significant milestone in our engineering journey. The radial design is suited to a circular tank, ensuring the optimisation of steel usage, whilst remaining structurally sound. The use of a circular tank with internal PVC bladder ensures liquid contact with steel is eliminated, thus enhancing the tank structure and life of product – a distinct difference to the typical elevated square tanks seen in the markets with no internal liner. The tank components and stand is pre-galvanised to withstand corrosive environments – a crucial consideration for remote sites like Chikankata. The lightweight modular structure also allowed for seamless transportation and rapid on-site assembly.
Site preparation was conducted by Hans Plumbers, who constructed deep-set foundations to meet 100kPa ground conditions and ensure long-term stability. Once the civils were complete, the SBS installation team built the radial stand in sections, hoisting each piece into place with a crane before securing the platform and segments in place. The ET12/03 tank was then built atop the stand, while the ST14/02 was installed and tested at ground level.
To ensure a flawless build, each tank was manufactured at SBS’s ISO-certified facility. The site team followed strict HSE safety protocols and conducted comprehensive leak tests, including liner testing, before commissioning.
Despite facing multiple power disruptions during the installation, the team remained adaptive – using generators and manual workarounds to stay on schedule. The result was a successful installation completed in just 28 days on-site, providing the hospital with a resilient, futureproof water solution.
Today, Chikankata Mission Hospital enjoys continuous access to clean water, which has directly improved healthcare delivery, hygiene, and operational efficiency. For a facility renowned across Zambia for its quality nursing and medical care, this upgrade further cements its role as a cornerstone of the region’s public health infrastructure.
This project reflects SBS Tanks’ ongoing mission to deliver sustainable water storage solutions to the public and municipal sectors – especially in rural, underserved, and critical infrastructure locations. Through engineered excellence, innovative design, and a commitment to community upliftment, we continue to build systems that protect health, support development, and deliver lasting impact.
3 x SBS Tanks on site in Chikankata, Zambia
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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. SBS Tanks, our branch in South Africa, services the South African market and SADC region directly from Durban. 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 Shaun or the sales team on +27(0)317161820 today or simply Request a quote here.
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