Restoring Water Access for Livestock: Casidra Supports Borehole Rehabilitation on Boplaas Farm

By: Jay-dee Solomons

As part of its ongoing efforts to support land reform beneficiaries and emerging farmers, Casidra on behalf of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture has successfully completed the rehabilitation and equipping of a borehole on Boplaas Farm near Beaufort West. The project directly benefits Mtebelo Mafireka, an emerging farmer dedicated to building a sustainable farming operation in one of the most water-stressed regions of the Western Cape.

The borehole had existed on the farm for many years but had become unusable due to damage to the water extraction infrastructure. Recognising the vital importance of water in livestock farming, Casidra’s Project Manager: Technical, Farzaad Khatieb, from the Environmental Sustainability Unit, initiated a comprehensive yield and water quality test to assess the borehole’s viability. The results confirmed it could serve as a reliable water source.

Based on these findings, Farzaad explains, “The borehole was rehabilitated and fitted with a solar-powered pumping system, including four 585-watt solar panels and a 1,500-watt submersible pump. The pump was installed at a depth of 35 metres in the 40.4-metre-deep borehole, which has a static water level of 24.3 metres.” He confirms that this new system is not only efficient but also sustainable, significantly reducing long-term operational costs and environmental impact.

The rehabilitated borehole now supplies clean water for livestock on Mafireka’s farm, an essential resource for productivity and animal well-being. Mafireka expressed his gratitude for the support received: “This borehole has changed everything for my farm. Without water, I was struggling to keep my livestock healthy, especially during the dry months. Thanks to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and Casidra, I now have a reliable and sustainable water source. It gives me hope and confidence to grow my farming business.”

This project is a clear example of how targeted infrastructure investment can create tangible, lasting improvements in the lives of individual farmers. Casidra remains committed to delivering practical solutions that promote sustainable agriculture, economic empowerment, and food security in the Western Cape.