Understanding the Process of Obtaining Authority to Drill a Borehole in the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council (UMSCC)

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Water is a valuable resource that requires careful management for sustainable development. 

In Zimbabwe, the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council (UMSCC) plays a crucial role in water resource planning, development, and management. If you are considering drilling a borehole or sinking a commercial well in the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment area, it is vital to obtain the necessary authority from the UMSCC. 

This article will guide you through the process of acquiring the authority to drill a borehole in the UMSCC.

Understanding the UMSCC:

The UMSCC is a statutory water management body established under the Water Act of 1998. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate in Zimbabwe. 

Understanding the Process of Obtaining Authority to Drill a Borehole in the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council

Its responsibilities include allocating water permits, prioritizing development for efficient water management, and supervising the Sub-Catchment Councils (SCCs) within its jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction and Exclusions:

The UMSCC covers several suburbs in Harare, including Chitungwiza, Seke, Norton, part of Chihota, Nyabira, Epworth, Ruwa, Grasslands, Gwebi, and Darwendale. However, it is important to note that Hatcliffe, Chisipite, Chishawasha, Glenlorne, Borrowdale Brooke, and part of Mandara are excluded from its jurisdiction.

Groundwater Management and Permit Application:

The UMSCC oversees all applications and monitoring related to groundwater use permits within its jurisdiction. This means that any boreholes or commercial wells drilled in Zimbabwe must be registered with the UMSCC and the respective catchment council as required by state law.

To apply for a groundwater permit, you need to submit an application using form GW 4 through the UMSCC. This application should be accompanied by the appropriate fee. It is crucial to remember that no person is allowed to abstract groundwater without a valid groundwater permit issued by the catchment council.

Application Process for Drilling a Borehole:

If you wish to obtain authority to drill, alter, or deepen a borehole or well for the purpose of abstracting groundwater, you must submit an application using form GW1 to the Catchment Council. Along with the application, you need to provide the appropriate fee and evidence of ownership or other interest in the land. Additionally, you must provide a 1:50,000 scale topographical map indicating the boundaries of the land or property in question, as well as a hydro-census of surrounding boreholes in the form of GW2.

Understanding the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment:

The UMSCC manages water in the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment, which is the lowest water planning and management unit upstream of the Manyame River. This river eventually flows into the Zambezi River. The Sub-Catchment is divided into ten micro-catchments, including Mukuvisi, Marimba, Nyatsime, Musitwe, Ruwa, Lake Manyame Basin, Gwebi, Chivero Basin, Umzururu, and Manyame Upstream.

Stakeholders and Governance:

The UMSCC comprises diverse stakeholders, including domestic groundwater users, communal farmers, small-scale commercial farmers, resettled farmers, large-scale commercial farmers, small-scale miners, large-scale miners, rural district councils, urban town councils, industries, and other relevant groups identified by the Sub-Catchment Council.

Differentiating UMSCC from Other Bodies:

It is essential to note that the UMSCC is not ZINWA (Zimbabwe National Water Authority) or the City of Harare Council. It is an independent body established by legislation specifically for water use monitoring and planning.

To ensure compliance with the law and contribute to sustainable water resource management in Zimbabwe, it is crucial to obtain the necessary authority from the UMSCC before drilling a borehole or sinking a commercial well in the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment area. By following the application process outlined by the UMSCC, you can contribute to the responsible use and management of water resources in the region.

For more information on Water Systems in Zimbabwe, visit our website.

Water Systems Zimbabwe is looking forward to your call or WhatsApp Message.

Please feel free to leave a message on our WhatApp number or alternatively please call us and we will be able to help you straight away. If you would prefer, send us an email with your details and an outline of your enquiry and we will be pleased to come back to you.

We respond to all enquiries usually within 24 hours, but guarantee within 48 hours.

Our Contact Numbers Are:
Water Systems Sales: +263 77 389 8979.
Water Systems Sales: +263 71 961 3479.
Water Systems Sales: +263 78 977 9432.
Water Systems Sales: +263 71 884 5891.