City of Joburg Outlines the Legal Steps for Drilling a Borehole

The City of Joburg (CoJ) has outlined the legal process for residents wanting to sink a borehole on their property.

- Anathi Madubela

This follows drilling on private property that caused soil and water to leak into a Gautrain tunnel, disrupting train services between its Park Station and Rosebank stations this week.

The process includes submitting a written notice of intent to drill, completing an environmental assessment, and other requirements. Section 14(1)(b) of the CoJ's Land Use Scheme says that neither the owner nor anyone else is allowed to dig wells or boreholes or take any underground water from their property without written consent from the CoJ.

As part of the approval process, the city's engineering departments review the application to ensure that the proposed borehole will not negatively affect existing infrastructure.

Prior to drilling, a hydrogeological study must be conducted by a registered hydrogeologist. Additionally, a permit must be obtained, and all relevant stakeholders—including City Power, Johannesburg Water, Emergency Management Services, and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department—must be notified.