The Bush Pump was described many times before as a remarkable handpump although it is almost unknown internationally.

Like no other handpump globally in use, the Bush Pump has a long history. It was originally designed by Tommy Murgatroyd in the year 1933, a Government Water Supply Officer in Matabeleland, the western part of Zimbabwe. Due to the fact that welding was not known at that time, the pump was made of standard pipes and plates, which were bolted together. According to, modern" handpump designs, the Murgatroyd pump was well overdesigned in respect of material strength.

That is the reason why it seems to be a clumsy pump when one sees it for the first time. This clumsiness is a major factor why quite a number of early models of these handpumps have survived until today.

The initial models remained almost unchanged for about 40 years.

Cecil Andersen, an Engineer of the Ministry of Water, made the first major changes in the mid-60s. He replaced some of the bolted parts with components that were welded together. The remarkable idea to bolt the pump head directly to the borehole casing dates back to that time. The improved pump was given the name Bush Pump, it became the National Standard and was spread all over the country.

After its Independence in 1980, the government of Zimbabwe insisted on retaining its own national handpump, but many variations of the pump were built by NGOs and also some government departments. These were used alongside the standard Anderson model.

The History Of The Bush Pump in Zimbabwe

As a result, the government of Zimbabwe decided to modernise and standardise a new National Standard Handpump, the B-Type Bush Pump, which was designed by their staff and retained the most successful features of earlier models.

The B-Type pump head went through two years of heavy-duty endurance testing before it was accepted as a new national standard pump.

Since then the number of B-Type Bush Pumps installed in Zimbabwe has increased remarkably!

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About Nakiso Borehole Drilling

At Nakiso Borehole Drilling, we are your comprehensive partner for unlocking reliable water on your property. Our highly skilled team tackles all drilling projects, from standard boreholes to specialized Blast Hole and RC Drilling.

We handle everything in-house for a seamless experience, encompassing expert borehole siting, efficient drilling, and pump installation – solar, electric, or manual – tailored to your specific needs. With Nakiso, your reliable water source is just a drill away.

We don't just strive to be the best; we maintain the industry's strictest quality standards and are committed to sustainable practices for the future of Zimbabwe's water security.

Essential Drilling Facts

Fact 1: Know Your Borehole Casings

The Preferred Borehole Casing In Zimbabwe Is Class 9 and 10 (Pressure Classes.)

This is because Class 9 and Class 10 Casings are more collapse resistant. The strength of a Casing is often described as collapse resistance.

Fact 2: Borehole Drilling Depth

The exact depth, of where the water is located, cannot be established by the drilling contractor nor the Water Surveyor (Borehole Siter).

Fact 3: There Is No 100% Guarantee

It is important to note that it is never a 100% guarantee that any hole will yield water, the amount and water quality can also not be guaranteed by the drilling contractor and water surveyor.

Fact 4: Siting Is Important

Making use of a hydrologist or traditional water diviner will increase your chances of having a successful borehole that will yield a sufficient amount of water.

Fact 5: Know The Risks

The risk of the borehole drilling lies with the property owner. The client will still be liable for the drilling costs irrespective of a borehole yielding water or not.

Our Branches and Our Contacts

Churchill Ave Branch

Business Offices (HQ):
55 Churchill Avenue,
Alexandra Park,
Harare North,
Zimbabwe.

Call Us Today:

Office Numbers: +263 867 71 88844

Sales: +263 78 860 8009
Operations: +263 78 860 8005
Marketing: +263 78 876 6701

Email: info@nakisoboreholes.co.zw
Website: www.nakisoboreholes.co.zw

Bluff Hill Branch

Business Offices:
36 St. Anthans Drive,
Bluff Hill,
Harare,
Zimbabwe.

Call Us Today:

Office Numbers: +263 71 494 0883

Sales: +263 78 860 8009
Operations: +263 78 860 8005
Marketing: +263 78 876 6701

Email: info@nakisoboreholes.co.zw
Website: www.nakisoboreholes.co.zw