Bush Pumps in Zimbabwe

The Bush Pump in one form or another has been used in Zimbabwe for over 70 years. All Bush Pumps are entirely Zimbabwean in origin and design and are regarded in Zimbabwe as National Treasures. 

No other hand pump on the African continent has provided such a prolonged service to its own people. The current National Standard Hand Pump is called the "B" type Bush Pump and was standardised by the Government of Zimbabwe in 1989 following rigorous trials in very heavy duty and deep borehole settings. 

The “B” type pump head is used with standard "down the hole" components, comprising 50mm nominal borehole galvanised steel rising main, 16mm mild steel pump rods, a 75mm diameter brass cylinder operating with a piston fitted with two leather seals and a heavy-duty brass foot valve. 

These components are well tested and durable if correctly made and installed. Currently, there are about 40 000 Bush pumps installed in the rural areas of Zimbabwe. 

Bush Pumps in Zimbabwe

The optimum performance of this unit can only be expected if the components are correctly manufactured and also correctly installed. 

The “B” type Bush Pump head is internationally recognised with international specifications and is regarded as a “Public Domain” pump.

The unique feature of all Bush Pumps is their use of a hardwood bearing. It is designed for heavy-duty use, serving communities of 300 persons. Three different cylinders are available, the smallest one extends the range to a maximum recommended lift of 80 metres. 

The Bush Pump is not corrosion resistant. It requires special skills for installation as well as for maintenance; it is not a VLOM pump.

Description: The Bush Pump is a conventional lever action handpump. The typical feature of this pump is the “Hardwood block” that acts as both, a bearing and lever mechanism. The pump is designed so that the stand can be directly bolted to the protruding 6” steel casing of the borehole, Ø150 mm NB (Nominal Bore).

Bush Pumps in Zimbabwe

Material: Pump stand made of mild steel painted, handle & riser pipes of galvanized GI pipe, pump rods are of galvanized steel, cylinder of brass, bearing block of hardwood, plunger and foot valve of bronze or brass. This pump is not corrosion resistant and should not be used in areas with aggressive water (pH < 6.5).

Local Manufacturing: The Bush Pump has excellent potential for local manufacturing and is produced by different companies in Zimbabwe.

Installation: The installation of the Bush Pump needs well-trained area mechanics. Lifting tackle is used for pump installation and maintenance interventions. No special tools are needed.

Maintenance: The pump with the standard configuration has a limited “Community Management Potential”, but it is very reliable and popular with the community. The “open top cylinder version” gives the possibility of simpler maintenance.

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.

For All Your Borehole Drilling Services Contact Us:

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