A drilling company has bemoaned the increase […]

A drilling company has bemoaned the increase of unlicensed agents in the drilling sector, revealing that many citizens are being overcharged.

Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times, the anonymous source further said most of the agents lack the necessary knowledge to provide credible services. “There are too many mediators or agents in the sector.

 Initially, clients should just go to the actual offices, but the problem is that we have seen a lot of Facebook adverts, and mostly there are several misunderstandings with clients.” In Lusaka, there are more than 80 drilling companies, leading to intense competition, but the emergence of agents has complicated matters.

 The agents are accused of manipulating the clients in some instances, and oftentimes, the demands of the clients are not met, even in terms of refunds for dry boreholes. The source urged the citizenry to be cautious of agents and ensure that they go straight to companies that have the WARMA registration requirements and ultimately due diligence. mind you, the sector is quite delicate and technical, therefore requiring proper information.”

 Meanwhile, the source also raised an alarm with the water surveyors, revealing that sometimes the information they provide is not accurate and can lead to dry boreholes. Calling upon members of the public to be cautious and only seek viable information from well-known bodies.

“Dealing directly with companies is better because you have WARMA information and registration, but if you go to agents, you don’t know anything, and allies to promote certification and create seamless strategies that would enable registration without much paperwork and unnecessary delays. Urging for more professionalism in the sector, but acknowledging the level of public awareness of the drilling sector, revealing that most of the clients are outsourcing surveyors.”

Article by Samuel Mutale