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boreholes are drilled for both stock and domestic purposes. the more advantageous rebate
is applied. Special charges and conditions are enforced in specific circumstances. including
a depth drilled of more than 250 m. Payment for charges incurred must be made in terms
of cash deposited with the Department before or during drilling operations. or by means
of a loan for drilling granted according to Section 10 of the Agricultural Credit Act No. 28
of 1966.
The quantity. type. quality and diameter of casing used in the borehole is at the discretion
of the Department. No rebate is granted for casing left in an unsuccessful borehole at the
request of the land user. An unsuccessful borehole is defined as a borehole yielding less
than 125 mt s-1 (unless special circumstances prevail). Land users are responsible for the
provision of sufficient water of a suitable quality for the efficient operation of the
Government drill. and for use by the drilling team. The land user is also responsible for the
construction of an access road to the drilling site. any other road necessary to reach the
boring camp, and for the initial clearing of the boring site and camping terrain. Failure to
provide these services will result in extra costs.
Boring operations may be stopped if a suitable supply of water has been obtained in the
borehole, or if there is a possibility of the drill or accessories being damaged or lost, or if
satisfactory results from further drilling operations cannot be achieved. Other factors
precluding further drilling are the costs of additional boring not being justified in terms of
a possible sufficient increase in yield. and where a depth of 250 m is reached. Land users
can apply for further drilling to be undertaken in these circumstances, which if agreed to,
will be fully charged for. The maximum number of boreholes drilled is up to four per
application. where the applicant is responsible for indicating the drilling sites (subject to
Departmental approval). The Department may however. refuse to drill at a given site. If
the applicant provides false or misleading information in terms of the rebate, then the
rebate no longer applies and the applicant is liable for all costs.
By virtue of Government Regulation Notice GN R3040/92. also in terms of the Water Act,
the Minister of Agriculture may authorize the payment of subsidies for the costs of drilling
undertaken by private drilling contractors. The scheme is essentially the same as above.
where no contract can be entered into with a private driller. prior to consent by the
Department. The land user is required to indicate the drilling site (subject to various
conditions). The borehole must be at least 15 m deep and 100 mm in diameter. and must