Zimbabwe Drops US$150–US$250 Borehole Levy but Keeps Registration Fees
The Government has removed the levy previously charged on borehole water abstraction as part of ongoing reforms designed to make it easier for citizens and businesses to operate while improving access to clean water.
Under the new policy, households and businesses will no longer be required to pay annual abstraction fees that were previously imposed on boreholes used for domestic and commercial purposes.
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Move Aimed at Improving Access to Water
Authorities say the change is intended to reduce the financial burden on citizens while encouraging wider access to groundwater, particularly as boreholes remain a critical source of water for many communities.
Previously, households using boreholes for domestic purposes were required to pay about US$150, while commercial users were charged US$250.
According to ZBC News, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Obert Jiri, said the decision forms part of broader reforms meant to support economic activity and improve water availability.
“Water is a right for humanity, and for Zimbabwe we also ascribe to that. We do have groundwater charges which we have been charging for both commercial and domestic use, and those in light of ease of doing business, some of those are being scrapped,” he said.
Support for Agriculture and Food Security
According to the ministry, the policy adjustment is also linked to wider efforts to strengthen agriculture and improve food security by ensuring farmers and communities have easier access to water resources.
Officials believe removing the abstraction levy will encourage more people to invest in borehole drilling, which is increasingly important for irrigation and household water supply.
Borehole Registration Fees Remain
While the abstraction levy has been removed, authorities say borehole registration fees will continue to apply.
Professor Jiri explained that registration remains necessary so the Government can monitor underground water reserves and properly manage groundwater resources.
“What will not go obviously is the fees to register a borehole because we still need to really assess what is underground as we go ahead with our borehole drilling programme,” he said.
The Government is currently expanding its borehole drilling initiatives across the country as part of efforts to improve water security in both rural and urban areas.
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