A recent infrastructure intervention by SBS Tanks® in picturesque Riviersonderend has drastically improved the quality of life for the Overberg town’s inhabitants.
Main contractor
Martin Barnard, sales and marketing manager, SBS® Water Systems, says, “What made this project unique from the way we generally undertake municipal business is the fact that SBS® was appointed by the Theewaterskloof Municipality as the main contractor. This implied that, other than just the usual tank manufacturing and installation, the company was also responsible for the fabrication of pipework (steel and PVC); installation of valves; building of valve chambers and manholes; tying the installation in with existing infrastructure; and dealing with services. The contract also entailed an element of integrated telemetry.” Harold Smook, contracted project engineer, Theewaterskloof Municipality, states, “SBS® Water Systems has to be commended for the fact that it agreed to undertake the project as the main contractor. There are usually a number of unknown factors and risks associated.” Daniel Pulker, financial manager, SBS®, reiterates: “From a contractual point of view, SBS® had to secure guarantees as well as ensure legal agreements with sub contractors to ensure compliance with the terms of reference for the contract.” A dedicated on-site contract manager, Denis Grace, was appointed. SBS® also prioritised the appointment of local Western Cape businesses to undertake various aspects of the contract, such as site security, civils and project documentation.Open communication
From the awarding of the tender in May 2016, SBS® was allocated 14 weeks to complete the project, which included a weather contingency allowance. Fabio Grendele, operations manager, SBS®, explains, “The tight deadline was of concern, considering that the Western Cape is a winter rainfall area. We responded to the challenge by immediately establishing an open line of communication between all parties involved, including using technology by creating a WhatsApp group (a communication app). This facilitated quick and easy responses between parties and contributed to the overall success of the project. There was also a tremendous sense of spirit and buy-in from all parties involved, which resulted in a cooperative approach to the project.”Site excavation
Due to time constraints, on-site civil work had to run concurrently with the manufacturing of the SBS® Tank model ST 31-06 at the company’s head office in Pinetown. Technical requirements on-site required the top water levels of the old and the new tank to match. This implied on-site excavation to establish a new base level from which the new tank could be erected. Test pits prior to excavation indicated the presence of rock but, fortunately, this did not present too much of a challenge. The high standard demanded of the civil works was suitably met.Quality standards
Appointed representatives from the client municipality’s procurement and engineering departments visited SBS® head office two weeks after the tender was awarded, for a material verification audit. Says Smook, “We were extremely impressed by the scale of the organisation and the way in which SBS® conducted business. It was evident in the level of quality control within the operation. I think if anybody on the team had any reservations up to that point, these were summarily dispelled after the visit.”As an environmental consideration, SBS® suggested that the new reservoir be powder coated green to match the existing concrete reservoir and the surrounding landscape.
