250 jobs will be created in Adelaide’s north-east following a $21.6 million upgrade to SA Water’s largest water storage tank.
The upgrade is part of a wider $89 million State Government program to refurbish 111 water storage tanks across the state between 2016 and 2020.
Work is being undertaken by engineering and construction company York Civil.
The main part of the upgrade involves removing and replacing the Hope Valley tank’s 125m x 175m roof.
The Hope Valley water tank holds 136 million litres of water and has an underground footprint the size of a soccer field.
Once the upgrade is complete, SA Water will also undertake landscaping to restore and improve the site’s amenity and compensate for any vegetation removed during the works.
Water and the River Murray Minister Ian Hunter said, “The Hope Valley tank is vital to SA Water’s network, providing water to more than 100,000 customers in Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs.
“This upgrade will create jobs for South Australians and is an investment in our economy, our infrastructure and our residents.
“To ensure the works don’t interrupt supply to these customers, SA Water will temporarily supply residents in the area through an alternative part of the network and schedule works during the wetter months when demand is lower.”
Other water storage tanks being upgraded as part of the refurbishment program include one in North Adelaide, which was constructed in 1878 and is still operating.
“This $21.6 million upgrade of the Hope Valley water tank will benefit Torrens residents in the suburbs of Gilles Plains, Hillcrest and Holden Hill by continuing to deliver them quality water,” Member for Torrens, Dana Wortley said.
“It will also provide the opportunity for locals to be employed during the refurbishment of the tank with an expected 250 jobs created.”
The upgrade is expected to be complete by the end of 2017.
