A revised, streamlined process to apply for borehole drilling has been introduced by the City of Johannesburg (CoJ).

Effective October 1, new applications will be managed directly by the city’s Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), with a new application email address allocated, and not the Development Planning Department.

This is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to managing groundwater responsibly, protecting the environment and public infrastructure, while ensuring equitable access to water resources for all residents, said CoJ EISD MMC Councillor Jack Sekwaila.

“This change comes after residents, businesses and industry stakeholders raised concerns about delays in the current application process.”

The new process will cut unnecessary administration and circulation steps by directing applications to the EISD, which is the mandated representative water services authority in the city and delegated to oversee implementation of the Water Services Act, the National Water Act and the National Environmental Management Act.

Sekwaila also outlined key improvements, including a new email address for applications, shortened turnaround time as applications received from October 1 will be processed within 14 working days, with approved applicants receiving a drilling certificate.

The certificate must be kept on site and presented on request during drilling to inspectors or JMPD officers.

“I must stress that no drilling may begin without official approval and the drilling certificate must be visible on site,” Sekwaila warned.

Residents or businesses that drill without approval or a valid drilling certificate, risk enforcement action, including fines, an immediate order to stop work and impoundment of drilling equipment.

While applications lodged from October 1 must be submitted directly to the EISD, applications that are submitted to the Development Planning Department before October 1 will continue under the old system until finalised. Applicants do not need to resubmit.