By Lydia Gichuki
Some farmers are securing boreholes at barely one-fifth of the drilling cost of their peers, as borehole drillers charge anywhere from Sh6,000 to Sh15,000 a metre, according to data gathered by FarmBizAfrica. Our list of borehole drillers for farmers to check and find the best option gives the prices for most of them, as well as details of the terrain and process that can add extra costs.
Requirements and the process of drilling
To have a borehole drilled, a hydro geological survey must be carried out by a geologist for Sh50,000 to Sh100,000, depending on the region and access. The geologist prepares three reports giving details on the depth, water salinity, expected yield and rock formation. These findings determine the method of drilling, which also affect the cost. The method can either be air drilling or mud drilling, which is more expensive.
Once the geologist has confirmed the groundwater has the potential to yield water, the drilling company seeks authorisation to drill from the Water Resource Management Authority (WRMA) at a cost of Sh25,000.
After WRMA has permitted drilling, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is done by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to determine the project’s possible effects on the environment. If it is found that the drilling will not damage the environment, a license is issued at a cost of Sh30,000. In some cases, the drilling company will also need a license from the municipal council and a no-objection letter from local water suppliers.
Getting the report and permits can take up to a month. After that, the company do a 24-hour drilling test to see how much water the borehole yields so it can recommend the best pump.
The process of drilling a borehole in its entirety is then likely to cost between Sh1.2m and Sh3m.
Related News:How much it costs to drill a borehole
Factors that determine the cost of drilling
1. Company’s pricing policy
Some companies charge per cubic meter, while others charge for the process as a whole.
2. The physical distance of the drilling company from the site
When a company is situated a long way from the site, the cost of drilling is likely to be higher because of the extra logistic costs.
3. The depth and width of the borehole
The width and depth of the hole will dictate how much material will be used and the pump to be used leading to lesser or greater costs.
4. The pump used
Depending on the size of the borehole, the cost of the pump varies. The company must carry out a 24-hour drilling test so as to recommend the right size of pump.
5. Geological characteristic of the site
If the site proves difficult to drill, the cost will be higher as more power will be needed to get through the ground. This will depend on the rock types and formation.
6. Drilling price
The prices per metre from drilling contractors can vary a lot, but check for differences in their equipment and other factors.
Drilling contractors, as at June 2020
Company |
Cost per meter(Sh) |
Phone number |
|
1 |
Almak Aqua Drillers |
8,500 |
0720351901 |
2 |
Simba Drilling |
10,000 |
0780117447 |
3. |
Export Hydro Pump and Services |
10,000 -15,000 |
0754273235 |
4. |
Apex Boreholes and Engineering Consultancy |
7,000 |
0725267083 |
5. |
Milimani Drilling East Africa Limited |
5,500 |
0714719028 |
6. |
Prd Rigs Kenya Limited |
12,000-15,000 |
0717 555616 |
7. |
Waterlink |
7,000-10,000 |
0722 740522 |
8. |
Bostec Trading |
6,000-10,000 |
0727227903 |
9 |
East Africa Aqua tech |
9,000 |
0721445106 |
10. |
Drill Rite Africa |
0722708093 |
|
11. |
KG Water Drilling Company |
7,500 |
0710234831 |
12 |
Borehole Services |
8,000-10,000 |
0729516331 |
13. |
In-depth Water and Services |
0721906872 |
|
14. |
Kijito Hydro |
8,000 |
0725823627 |
15. |
Borehole Drilling Merchants |
7,000 |
0723 506816 |
16. |
Rhino Water Drillers |
8,500-14,000 |
0722585936 |
17. |
Monsoon Drillers Limited |
6,000 |
0703240153 |
18. |
Noris International limited |
0722466022 |
|
19. |
Waterman Drilling Africa Limited |
0722843222 |
|
20. |
Pass Africa |
0722 708222 |
|
21. |
Major M borehole |
072524088 |
|
22. |
AFRICAN Mineral water company DRILLING CO. LTD |
0722 387644 |
|
23. |
Visima borehole water |
0702 336699 |
|
24. |
Water for the world |
0722353242 |
|
25. |
Borehole Masters |
0717 252135 |
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