City explains borehole application process  

Ekurhuleni residents interested in installing a borehole on their properties must follow a specific application process to ensure compliance with local regulations.

The CoE is inundated with requests for boreholes, however, the city’s spokesperson emphasises the importance of seeking approval first:

“It is essential for residents to understand that drilling a borehole without proper authorisation can lead to legal repercussions. According to the city’s water by-laws, permission is mandatory before any drilling can commence,” said CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

“Not only does this process ensure compliance with local laws, but it also helps in managing water resources sustainably, given that groundwater is considered a public resource under the National Water Act 45.”

Property owners must initiate the process by requesting the application form.

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This can be done via email to either Mthokozisi Mlotshwa at [email protected] or Liziwe Mabulu at [email protected]

After filling out the application form, residents should submit it along with all required supporting documents via email to the same contacts.

The specific documents needed are outlined in the application form itself. Once submitted, the application is forwarded to the City Planning Department’s dolomite section for review and comments.

This step is crucial as it assesses any potential impacts on local geology and hydrology.

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Following the review, feedback from the dolomite section is sent to the water demand management section for further consideration.

This ensures that all aspects of water usage and sustainability are evaluated. Based on the evaluations, an approval or rejection letter will be drafted. This letter will inform the applicant of the outcome of their request.

The final step involves sending the drafted approval or rejection letter to the HOD for signature and completing the formal approval process.

To promote responsible water usage, applicants must diligently follow the application steps and seek approval before proceeding with any drilling activities.

For further assistance or clarification, residents are encouraged to contact the department directly via the provided emails.