Access to clean and reliable water remains one of the greatest challenges in rural parts of Southern Africa. For many communities and small towns, borehole drilling is not just an industry — it’s a lifeline.

A leading borehole drilling and water solutions company operating across the SADC region approached Afrimart, seeking a way to expand its fleet of water-well machines while cutting procurement costs. The goal was simple: acquire a high-performance, durable, and cost-efficient RLD-200 30.5 HP Diesel Engine Water-Well Drilling Rig to serve both large infrastructure projects and rural homeowners struggling with water access.

Afrimart managed the complete procurement process — from sourcing and supplier vetting in China to logistics, customs clearance, and after-sales support — saving the client money and opening new opportunities for revenue growth.

The Client’s Challenge

The company had an ambitious objective: grow its service footprint while keeping operations financially sustainable. Its existing rigs were suitable for large-scale projects, but the high acquisition cost of additional units limited expansion into rural and household-level drilling markets.

Key pain points included:

High domestic equipment prices for diesel water-well rigs.

Limited local availability of advanced drilling machinery.

Costly imports when handled through middlemen or unreliable suppliers.

The need for technical reliability and after-sales support for long-term field use.

To maintain competitive pricing and diversify its client base — from corporate developments to individual rural homeowners — the company needed a trusted partner who could source internationally without the risks of direct foreign procurement.

Afrimart’s Procurement Solution

Afrimart provided a full end-to-end procurement pathway, ensuring quality, cost savings, and timely delivery.

1. Supplier Sourcing & Vetting

Afrimart identified a verified manufacturer of the RLD-200 Diesel Water-Well Drilling Rig in China, evaluating the supplier’s export credentials, certifications, and production standards to eliminate risks of counterfeit or low-grade equipment.

2. RFQ Management & Negotiation

Through strategic Request-for-Quotation (RFQ) management, Afrimart negotiated favorable pricing and shipping terms. The result: a significant reduction in the total landed cost compared to competitor quotations.

3. Quality Inspection & Testing

Before shipment, the machine underwent rigorous factory testing to confirm power output, drilling depth capability, and safety performance. Inspection videos and test reports were shared with the client for full transparency.

4. Logistics & Customs Clearance

Afrimart coordinated sea freight, export documentation, and customs clearance across the SADC border. The process was fully managed, ensuring the rig reached the client’s site without administrative delays.

5. After-Sales & Local Support

The partnership didn’t end at delivery. Afrimart provided warranty coverage and technical support, helping the client’s team onboard the new machine quickly and safely.

Equipment Overview: RLD-200 Diesel Water-Well Drilling Rig

The RLD-200 is engineered for rugged performance in African terrains — ideal for drilling in both soft and hard rock conditions.

Key Features:

Engine Power: 30.5 HP diesel engine with high torque for deep boreholes.

Drilling Depth: Designed for efficient performance in rural and semi-industrial sites.

Mobility: Compact design allows for easier transport between drilling locations.

Durability: Heavy-duty steel frame built for longevity in field operations.

Ease of Maintenance: Modular design simplifies repairs and reduces downtime.

Cost Efficiency: Lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs compared to traditional rigs.

Results & Business Impact

Afrimart’s strategic procurement delivered measurable outcomes for the client’s operations:

Significant Cost Savings: The RLD-200 rig was sourced at a notable discount compared to local suppliers, helping the company reallocate capital to other assets.

Market Expansion: The client began serving homeowners in rural areas, offering affordable borehole drilling services beyond large commercial contracts.

Revenue Growth: The addition of the new rig opened a new revenue stream while maintaining service excellence for existing corporate clients.

Operational Efficiency: With the rig’s diesel engine and compact build, field teams reduced setup time and increased the number of sites served weekly.

This procurement success not only enhanced the client’s service capacity but also contributed to improved water access for underserved communities in the SADC region.

Why This Matters for Southern Africa’s Water & Infrastructure Industry

As climate pressures and population growth intensify, the need for efficient, affordable water-well drilling solutions is expanding across Africa. Borehole service providers must balance cost control, technical reliability, and service reach — a combination made possible through strategic procurement.

Afrimart bridges that gap by offering:

Supplier vetting and quality assurance for high-risk imports.

End-to-end logistics and customs management across borders.

After-sales and warranty support locally in South Africa.

Competitive pricing through direct manufacturer relationships.

By combining procurement expertise with regional understanding, Afrimart helps African businesses grow sustainably while addressing essential development needs — like access to water.

Afrimart’s sourcing of the RLD-200 30.5 HP Diesel Water-Well Drilling Rig demonstrates how strategic procurement can drive both business growth and social impact. Through cost savings, quality assurance, and logistical reliability, Afrimart enabled its client to expand services, reach new markets, and strengthen its position in the SADC water-infrastructure sector.