Driptech Irrigation Pvt. Ltd. is the most prominent supplier of irrigation and related equipment in the country. It’s a family business started by Bob Henson in 1995 and the current Managing Director is his son Peter Henson. From a fairly small start at their premises in Workington they now have three more branches in Harare – Borrowdale, Avondale and Eastlea, and a regional branch in Mutare. In addition they supply Bulawayo and other centres through various agents like Halsteds and N. Richards. They have their own pipe manufacturing plant and have also recently opened a tank factory as the company has grown to meet local demands. Driptech initially concentrated mainly on irrigation supplies for agricultural use but since around 2002 they have diversified into urban water supply as well as mine drainage equipment.
They have a variety of solutions for almost any agricultural need and they are able to offer excellent advice and to design and draw up plans through their irrigation design office. If a farmer or smallholder is needing a new irrigation system installed Driptech could assess things like water availability (a dam, a borehole or a tank), soil type, crops, local vegetation, land gradients and other relevant factors. They could then draw up the best plan for the best solution – whether it’s overhead irrigation, centre pivot or drip irrigation.
Their drip irrigation schemes help minimise water wastage and can be easily MAIN PROFILE linked to solar powered pumps making it ideal for rural situations where no electricity is available. When necessary Driptech can consult with contract expert irrigation designers like Dave Bacon from Water Workshop. Once the best design has been drawn up Driptech will then work out a bill of quantities for the materials and equipment needed and the estimate cost. Although most irrigation schemes are fairly simple to install Driptech has a number of recommended installers who can put the whole project together if needed.
Driptech can supply every aspect of the irrigation plan including borehole pumps, tanks, booster pumps and pressure switches. They supply the recommended diameter piping from 20mm up to 500mm whether for underground or surface applications. Driptech stocks a wide range of pipes, fittings, valves, filters and virtually any accessory you could possibly need. Their range of piping includes PVC, HDPE, LDPE, copper and galvanised pipe, lay-flat hose and suction hose. They even offer a pipe threading service for steel pipes. Driptech are agents for the well-known brand of DAB pumps. DAB pumps are manufactured in Italy to the highest specifications.
and are supplied with a two year warrantee. Should any problems occur Driptech’s workshop is able to diagnose and resolve the issue. Driptech stocks a full range of spare parts for whenever maintenance is necessary. DAB pumps are manufactured in Italy to the highest specifications and are supplied with a two year warrantee. Should any problems occur Driptech’s workshop is able to diagnose and resolve the issue. Driptech stocks a full range of spare parts for whenever maintenance is necessary. Apart from large scale agricultural irrigation solutions Driptech also specialise in micro-jet systems. Micro-jets have a number of different applications. Misters and foggers are ideal for situations where constant humidity needs to be maintained, for example for the tobacco industry and for horticultural greenhouses. Some restaurants even use misters on their verandahs to keep diners cool in the hot summer months. Micro-jets are also the preferred method for irrigating tree plantations the world over.
Driptech also supplies irrigation systems for residential and corporate gardens. Options include micro-jets, spikes and automated pop up systems on timers. The aim is to reduce water wastage and maximise the efficiency of water use. The Driptech main branch and state of the art workshop is in Workington at 49 Coventry Road. It is clean, smart, colourful and brightly lit with interesting displays of products. There are seven sales counters and seven dispatch counters so you never need to wait. The staff is friendly and well informed and the service is excellent. There’s even a Zimbarista outlet in the shop so you can sit down and relax with a cup of coffee and a muffin or grab a coffee to go. Look out for their new branch – on Harare Drive, open as of 2 May 2019.
text by Michael Nott
photography by Michele Fortmann
