Government to Drill 1,500 Boreholes

The Minister for Water Development and Sanitation, Mike Mposha, has revealed that in response to the drought, the government will drill 1,500 boreholes in 84 districts across Zambia.

During a visit to the Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri, Mr. Mposha said the action was targeted at increasing the water supply during drought periods.

He said, “As you are aware, most of the boreholes that we have been drilling traditionally would go around 60 metres deep [but] during this period and under drought response, our plan is to drill boreholes that will go deeper around 80 to 100 metres and equip them with water pumps to reticulate water.”

The government plans to connect the drilled boreholes to solar power, and will upgrade 500 already existing boreholes to rely on solar power.

Effective use of boreholes can make a crucial difference in maximising the benefits of groundwater resources whilst minimising any associated risks and impacts. It is a sustainable utilisation of groundwater, and the process of finding and drilling boreholes

requires considering a range of factors such as hydrogeology, water quality and environmental and community needs.