As Zimbabwe faces water challenges due to erratic rainfall patterns and growing demand for clean water, borehole drilling has become an essential solution for households, businesses, and communities. However, borehole drilling is regulated by the government to ensure sustainability and proper water resource management. Understanding these regulations and obtaining the necessary permits is crucial for anyone considering drilling a borehole.
Key Government Regulations
The drilling of boreholes in Zimbabwe is governed by several laws and regulations aimed at protecting water resources. These include:
The Water Act (Chapter 20:24) – This Act provides for the management and allocation of water resources in Zimbabwe. It establishes the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) as the regulatory body responsible for water management.
The Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27) – This Act mandates the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to oversee environmental protection, ensuring that borehole drilling does not negatively impact the environment.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority Act (Chapter 20:25) – This Act establishes ZINWA’s role in water resource planning, monitoring, and conservation, including the regulation of borehole drilling.
Local Authority By-Laws – Some local municipalities have specific by-laws governing borehole drilling, which must be adhered to before and after drilling.
Required Permits and Approvals
Before drilling a borehole in Zimbabwe, it is important to obtain the necessary permits from relevant authorities. The key steps include:
Application for Borehole Drilling Approval – Individuals or organizations must submit an application to ZINWA, providing details such as location, purpose, and estimated water usage.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Approval – If the borehole is for commercial, industrial, or large-scale agricultural use, an EIA may be required. EMA assesses whether the drilling will affect local water sources or the environment.
Water Abstraction Permit – If the borehole is intended for commercial use, users must apply for a water abstraction permit from ZINWA to regulate groundwater usage and avoid depletion of water resources.
Local Authority Clearance – In urban areas, permission from the local municipality may be required before drilling a borehole. Some councils have restrictions on borehole placement to protect underground water tables.
Registration of the Borehole – Once drilling is complete, borehole owners must register their boreholes with ZINWA for monitoring and water conservation purposes.
Why Compliance Matters
Adhering to government regulations and obtaining the necessary permits ensures:
Sustainable groundwater usage and conservation.
Prevention of environmental degradation and contamination of water sources.
Legal protection for borehole owners against future disputes or penalties.
Proper water resource planning and equitable access to water.
How Nakiso Borehole Drilling Can Help
Navigating the regulatory landscape can be complex, but Nakiso Borehole Drilling is here to assist. With years of experience in the borehole drilling industry, we provide guidance on obtaining permits, complying with regulations, and ensuring hassle-free drilling. Our expert team works closely with regulatory authorities to ensure all legal requirements are met, giving you peace of mind as you secure your water source.
For professional borehole drilling services and regulatory assistance, contact Nakiso Borehole Drilling today. Secure your water supply the right way!
Nakiso Borehole Drilling: Your Trusted Partner for Safe, Sustainable Water Access
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.
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Five Facts About Borehole Drilling That You Need To Take Note Of:
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.
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).
3. The Is No 100% Guarantee On Water: 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.
4. Borehole Siting or Water Surveying 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.
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.
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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