Make sure you comply with regulations when doing boreholes – JMPD

The JMPD informs all residents and businesses within the City of Johannesburg about the importance of adhering to the relevant regulations and obtaining the necessary permissions before undertaking any borehole drilling activities.

“The JMPD has noted with concern, instances of individuals and entities attempting to drill boreholes without the required permits or using fraudulent documentation to bypass the necessary approval processes.

“We want to make it unequivocally clear that such actions are illegal and will not be tolerated.

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“The City of Johannesburg has established protocols to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of water resources.

“The unauthorised drilling of boreholes can have detrimental impacts on the environment, including the depletion of groundwater reserves and potential damage to existing infrastructure,” said JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla.

All residents and entities intending to drill a borehole within the City of Johannesburg must follow the correct procedures and obtain the necessary written permission from the relevant authorities.

The proper process typically involves, but is not limited to, the following steps:

1. Submit an application to the relevant department within the City of Johannesburg responsible for water management and environmental affairs. This application will require detailed information about the proposed borehole, its intended use, and its location.

2. The city will assess the application, considering factors such as the location, potential impact on existing water resources, and environmental considerations.

3. If the application is approved, a written permit will be issued, outlining the conditions and regulations that must be adhered to during and after the drilling process.

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4. Ensure that all drilling activities are conducted in strict accordance with the issued permit and all relevant municipal and national regulations.

The JMPD will be actively monitoring and enforcing regulations related to borehole drilling within the city.

Any person or entity found to be drilling a borehole without prior written permission from the City of Johannesburg, using fraudulent documentation to obtain permission or to drill a borehole, and failing to comply with the conditions stipulated in the issued permit will face the full force of the law. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Immediate cessation of drilling activities.
• Confiscation of drilling equipment.
• Issuance of fines and penalties as per the relevant municipal by-laws and national legislation.
• Possible criminal charges.

The JMPD urges all members of the public to act responsibly and to familiarise themselves with the correct procedures before undertaking any borehole drilling activities.

“We encourage anyone with information regarding illegal borehole drilling to report it to the City of Johannesburg using 011 375 5911/5918, 0800 002 587, or tip off the MMC at 082 060 0057.”