Getting The Borehole Drilling Permit In Zimbabwe

Navigating Borehole Compliance in Zimbabwe: A Complete Guide

Drilling a borehole is a significant investment in water security, but it is also a process governed by strict national regulations. At Nakiso Borehole Drilling, we offer full facilitation of applications and permits to ensure your project is compliant, legal, and hassle-free.

Getting The Borehole Drilling Permit In Zimbabwe
Ensuring Legal Compliance with ZINWA Regulations is the First Step to Water Security.

Access to groundwater is not just a privilege; it is a regulated resource managed to ensure sustainability for all Zimbabweans. Many property owners are unaware that drilling a borehole involves more than just hiring a rig; it involves navigating a legal framework designed to protect our aquifers.

Crucial Warning: It is illegal to drill a borehole in Zimbabwe without an Authority to Drill a Borehole. Furthermore, it is also illegal to abstract (use) that water without a valid permit from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA).

Failing to adhere to these regulations can result in fines, the sealing of your borehole, or legal action. Nakiso Borehole Drilling simplifies this by handling the bureaucracy on your behalf.

The Two Critical Documents You Need

There are two distinct stages of compliance when establishing a water source: the permission to drill the hole, and the permission to take the water.

1. Borehole Drilling Authority

What is it? This is the official "green light" to commence physical drilling on your property.

The Process: Before a rig touches your ground, authorization must be sought from the appropriate Catchment Council. This ensures that drilling in your specific location will not adversely affect the water table or neighboring water sources.

How We Help: The ZINWA Groundwater Department can easily facilitate authorizations to drill boreholes. As your contractor, Nakiso facilitates this application to ensure we are drilling legally.

2. Groundwater Abstraction Permit

What is it? Once the water is found, this permit grants you the legal right to use (abstract) it.

The Process: An abstraction permit is required before you switch on that pump. It is illegal to abstract water without a valid permit obtainable from the appropriate Catchment Council.

How We Help: ZINWA is very conversant with all types of permits needed for various situations (domestic vs commercial). We secure these abstraction permits for our clients, saving you the hassle of visiting council offices.

The Legal Framework: Statutory Instrument 206/2001

To ensure clarity for all stakeholders, the Ministry of Water Resources Development and Management has issued specific notices regarding compliance. These regulations are enforced under Sections 4, 6, 34(1) and (2), and 35 of the Water Act (Chapter 20:24).

Official Notice to Borehole Owners, Prospective Owners, Drillers, and Water Bottling Companies:

  1. Existing Owners: All borehole owners are mandated to register their boreholes with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) or the nearest Catchment Council Offices. Retrospective registration is often available but mandatory.
  2. Prospective Owners: Anyone planning to drill must obtain a permit before operations begin. This came into full effect on 2 May 2012 and remains the standing law today.

Compliance ensures that the national water database is accurate, allowing for better management of Zimbabwe's precious groundwater resources during times of drought and plenty.

Let Us Handle The Paperwork

Don't let bureaucracy stand between you and your water independence. Nakiso Borehole Drilling offers full facilitation of these applications, ensuring you are compliant from the first meter drilled.

Facilitate My Permit Now
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.

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
Fact 5: Know The Risks

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