CITY ISSUES BOREHOLE WARNING

Talent Gore

HARARE City Council has warned that drilling of boreholes without the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA)’s approval is illegal.

The warning follows the recent increase in the number of boreholes being drilled in the city as residents try to find alternatives to the unpredictable water supplied by the municipality.

Innocent Ruwende, the council spokesperson, confirmed that most boreholes were being drilled illegally.

He advised that to avoid any violations of the law, those seeking to drill boreholes should apply for permission from ZINWA before commencing their operations.

“As council, we are going to be monitoring the situation on the ground because for a household to have a borehole drilled, they need a permit from ZINWA and council.

“I can assure you that most boreholes being drilled do not have permits, so we will be doing a follow up soon,” he said.

“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.

“This is what the law says and should be observed. Allowing any haphazard drilling of wells and boreholes distorts the hydrology of any area and affects other consumers if not managed well.”