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Region Drilling Inspectorate is based in ladysmith (P 0 Box 299, ladysmith, 3370) and
serves Natal, parts of the Orange Free State and the Transvaal*. The primary aim of the
drilling service is to improve natural grazing by assisting farmers to obtain borehole water
for stock watering and domestic needs. The Directorate administers a rebate/subsidy
scheme for drilling work undertaken by Government drilling teams, as well as by private
drillers. Drilling for irrigation purposes is not subsidized, although such drilling can be
undertaken (at the full tariff) when time permits. In view of the importance of the scheme.
it is necessary to examine the relevant legislation in some detail.
With regard to Government Regulation Notice GN R3039/92 issued in terms of Section
2(d) of the Water Act No. 54 of 1956, the Minister of Agriculture - then Agricultural
Development - may authorize the drilling of boreholes by a Departmental team (for which
a rebate can be obtained). Various conditions apply, namely, that the property (a farm or
smallholding) must not be situated within the water supply area of a local authority or
other statutory body supplying water. The property must be at least 25 ha in extent,
where the groundwater from the borehole is to be used solely for stock watering and/or
domestic requirements. No drilling may be undertaken in a subterranean water control
area, unless consent in terms of Section 30(2) of the Water Act has been obtained.
The basic tariff for drilling is fixed by the Minister and is pUblished from time-ta-time in the
Republic of South Africa Government Gazette. The tariff includes a charge per metre
drilled, as well as the costs of a pumping test to determine the yield of the borehole, plus
the cost of any casing left in the borehole. No charge is made for any borehole (or non­
recoverable casing), which was not properly completed or installed for technical reasons.
The rebate paid to the land user by the Department depends on the depth (calculated to
the nearest metre) and varies from 55% for the first 75 m, up to 75% for that part of the
borehole deeper than 165 m. The cost of the casing is determined on a percentage basis
with regard to the length of casing used. A rebate of 55% is allowed for the pumping
test. The pumping test must be undertaken for nine hours, at an hourly tariff fixed by the
Minister. The maximum rebate which may be claimed for boreholes drilled for stock
watering purposes is R25 per Large Stock Unit, up to a total of R8 000 per property. The
maximum rebate for boreholes drilled for domestic needs is R500 per property. Where
With effect from the 27th of April 1994, the ladysmith office now operates in the geographic area
of KwaZulu as well (for subsidy purposes). The Directorate prior to that date, was (and still is),
involved in emergency drought relief drilling in KwaZulu.