KBR Inc. has secured a new four-year contract with South Australian Water Corp. (SA Water) to support the utility's capital delivery program, which the company describes as one of the South Australian Government's most significant infrastructure programs.
The agreement was awarded through a competitive tender and covers a period in which SA Water plans approximately A$3.3 billion of water infrastructure projects — what KBR describes as the utility's largest-ever period of investment. The new term builds on a 15-year relationship between the two organizations and extends it through 2030.
Scope of support
Under the contract, KBR will support delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure for SA Water's 1.8 million customers across South Australia. The work spans several asset classes:
- Dam upgrades and water tank refurbishments
- Bulk water transfer infrastructure and water main replacements
- Sewer network upgrades
- Water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades
Recent delivery record
Over the past year, KBR's capital delivery team managed more than 2,000 individual projects, according to the company. Those included 69 kilometers of new water mains, a major upgrade of the 132-kilometer Tailem Bend to Keith pipeline, and a desalination plant serving the outback town of Marree.
Programs ahead
KBR said the major programs it will support over the next four years include South Australia's Housing Roadmap, which involves expanding water and wastewater networks to support an estimated 50,000 new homes across the state. Also on the list are upgrades to the Morgan to Whyalla pipeline, which at 358 kilometers is South Australia's longest water pipeline.
Company comment
Margaret Riley, director of water at KBR, said the appointment reinforces the company's position as a trusted partner in the water sector. She said KBR has worked alongside SA Water for 15 years on the design, delivery and project management of some of the most critical water infrastructure projects, and described the contract as a demonstration of the team's experience, technical capability and focus on safety, innovation and service excellence. Riley added that the company looks forward to working closely with SA Water to deliver lasting benefits for customers, communities and the broader South Australian economy.
KBR's role is to support delivery rather than to act as the utility's owner or operator; the projects named fall within SA Water's planned capital programs for the four-year term.