Centurion borehole crackdown after resident caught drilling illegally
TMPD intervened after residents reported suspected unauthorised drilling, with the equipment impounded while the metro investigates compliance with its requirements.
The Tshwane Metro has warned residents in Centurion’s dolomitic areas against drilling boreholes, saying unauthorised drilling could increase the risk of sinkholes, ground instability and subsidence.
The metro said borehole drilling is strictly prohibited in dolomitic areas unless the necessary technical and geotechnical clearances have been obtained from a certified, professionally registered specialist.
Residents or drilling operators who proceed without permission could face prosecution, fines of up to R20 000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, and drilling equipment may also be impounded.
The warning follows an incident in Lyttelton on September 1, when the TMPD stopped a resident who was allegedly drilling a borehole without the required permissions.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the metro is investigating the alleged unauthorised drilling and pursuing legal and compliance enforcement proceedings.
The investigation includes determining whether an application was submitted and approved for the property and whether the drilling complied with municipal requirements.
The incident was reported to FF+ councillor Wesley Jacobs at about 17:30 after residents raised concerns about strange noises.
Jacobs said allegations that a resident was drilling a borehole prompted him to notify the relevant departments. The TMPD was dispatched and, according to Jacobs, found that an illegal borehole was being drilled and stopped the operation.
Jacobs claimed that an inspection also found that its operator card had expired in April 2026.
“Drilling boreholes without permission is prohibited in Lyttelton and across Region 4 because of the area’s highly dolomitic conditions. By drilling for a borehole, you not only endanger yourself but also neighbouring community members as well.”
Mashigo noted that water boreholes are generally prohibited in dolomitic areas because lowering groundwater levels can contribute to dolomite instability, sinkhole formation and ground subsidence.
Suburbs including Lyttelton, Eldoraigne, Bronberrick and Clubview face severe restrictions on groundwater extraction. Drilling can only proceed where the site has been certified as safe through required assessments.
Under the Water Supply By-Law of 2014, property owners or occupiers must complete the application form and submit it to the metro’s borehole registry before drilling begins, and the municipality may also require an environmental impact assessment or specialist geotechnical study.
Mashigo added that owning a property does not automatically give residents the right to drill for groundwater.
Residents who suspect illegal drilling are encouraged to report it to the TMPD or their ward councillor.
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