Rules Governing Borehole Drilling In Zimbabwe
The residents of Mabvuku, Tafara, Hatcliffe, Epworth and Chitungwiza and most of the affluent northern suburbs have drilled or sunk thousands of boreholes and deep wells in the last decade.
Most of these were a response to the erratic water supplies to residents by the local authorities. However, it is important to highlight that the activity is no less legal because of the circumstances.
The world over water scientists agrees fresh water is increasingly becoming a scarce resource. The situation is further compounded by climate change. Temperatures are generally becoming hotter raising the sea levels as glaciers melt while smaller rivers and dams are fast shrinking or disappearing.
The world over water scientists agrees fresh water is increasingly becoming a scarce resource. The situation is further compounded by climate change. Temperatures are generally becoming hotter raising the sea levels as glaciers melt while smaller rivers and dams are fast shrinking or disappearing.
To that end, governments and water authorities across the globe are gazetting legislation to control and regulate water demand, supply, development and management of this finite resource.
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| Rules Governing Borehole Drilling In Zimbabwe |
Haphazard and unplanned development of deep wells and boreholes affect water cycles and availability to people living downstream or low lying areas. Communities farther away from water sources would invariably experience water shortages in addition to short-circuiting the natural water cycle system.
- Among Zinwa’s responsibilities are water resources planning, management and development;
- Hydrology and hydrogeology; and
- Hydrology and hydrogeology; and
- Dam safety and borehole drilling.
These functions ultimately aim at helping the authority in exploiting, conserving and managing the water resources of Zimbabwe. This ensures the securing of equitable accessibility and efficient allocation, distribution, use and development of water resources.
It is in line with fulfilling these broad mandates that the Government in its wisdom amended the Water Act to reflect a new dispensation in water use. The law changed what was termed water rights to water permits to realise its functions of equitable distribution.
In the past, citizens who developed dams or boreholes had exclusive rights to use that water. However, the realisation that water was a finite resource and the poor had a right to it just as much as the rich, the law introduced water permits. The permits allow one individual to draw water enough for their activities and leave the rest for others to exploit too.
It is within that framework of equitable access and distribution of the scarce resource that groundwater should also be regulated, planned and its exploitation managed professionally.
Allowing any haphazard drilling of wells and boreholes distorts the hydrology of any area and affects other consumers if not managed well. To that end, all people who seek to drill boreholes should apply for an authority to drill from Zimwa before commencing their operations.
For the avoidance of doubt, all boreholes should be registered with Zinwa and requisite levies paid annually to the authority and the respective sub-catchment councils. That is what the law says and that should be observed.
Zinwa has a fully equipped Ground Water Division responsible for managing, exploiting and drilling boreholes. The unit has state-of-the-art technology in identifying groundwater sources, advising on its use and handling the drilling professionally. The division’s expertise and equipment are also available for hire by private individuals and organisations in addition to their state use.
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| Rules Governing Borehole Drilling In Zimbabwe |
Groundwater remains one of the most dependable freshwater sources. However, it also remains vulnerable to contamination or pollution depending on the industrial/agricultural activities carried out in the vicinity of the borehole site. Therefore, it remains important that the siting and drilling of boreholes be done after water quality tests have been conducted professionally at the site.
Let us all follow the law and ensure that we use finite resources in a sustainable manner. Groundwater remains one of the best freshwater sources and hence we should guard against polluting it or abusing it.
We welcome enquiries and suggestions. Please channel them to Zinwa PR Department, 12th Floor, Old Mutual Centre, corner Third Street and Jason Moyo Avenue, Harare.
Email: pr@zinwa.co.zw. Phone (04) 797 604/5 ; 797 610-3.
PROWATER SYSTEMS ZIMBABWE
Standard Prices For Borehole Drilling
Borehole Siting (Geo-Survey)
$80 USD
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Drilling & Casing (40m)
Standard Class 6 Casing included.
$1,000 USDGet Quote
Premium Casing Upgrade
Upgrade to Class 9 Casing for extra durability.
Add $250 USDGet Quote
Borehole Deepening / Extra Metres
For drilling beyond 40 metres.
$30 USD / mGet Quote
Double Casing
For unstable ground conditions.
$20 USD / mGet Quote
Tank & Tank Stand
5000 Litre Tank with a 4-metre Stand.
$1,000 USDGet Quote
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