Botswana Water Rights Applications: What the Government Service Page Says

Botswana Water Rights Applications: What the Government Service Page Says

Summary of the gov.bw "Water Rights Application" page. Only stated points are included.

• The page says all citizens, residents and businesses are eligible to apply. It covers drawing water from boreholes, wells, dams, lakes and rivers.
• Four forms are listed: registration of an existing right, grant of a water right, creation of a servitude, and notification of acquisition of a right by agreement.
• Forms go to a Department of Water and Sanitation office with land documents. For state land, a letter of authority to use the land is needed.
• For private boreholes the page lists an approved application for and grant of a field/project water point (read here as the permission to drill; Not verified: wording) and a borehole completion certificate to verify ownership. River draw-offs need a sketch map with coordinates.
• Documents listed: certified Omang copy (citizens) or passport copy (non-citizens); Customary Land Grant Certificate, Lease Agreement or Title Deed; letter of authority from the Director of Lands confirming surface rights.
• The page says the process takes 90 days once all documents are submitted.
• Offices named: Gaborone headquarters and regional offices in Mahalapye, Jwaneng, Serowe, Francistown, Gumare, Maun, Kasane, Ghanzi and Tsabong.

Not verified: whether small domestic abstraction needs a right, and conditions attached to rights; the page does not say.

General information only. Not legal advice. Confirm with the Department of Water and Sanitation.