DELMAS, SUNDRA — Residents in Sundra and surrounding areas are receiving improved water supply after Schurco Slurry South Africa donated equipment worth more than R180,000 following a pump failure at the Sundra pump station.

The company donated a pump, motor and accessories after being approached about a lack of water pressure at the station.

Schurco’s engineers identified a PF150 pump as suitable for the station, after which the company’s managing director and sales manager agreed to sponsor the equipment.

The pump and motor were donated on 28 August 2026, with installation beginning immediately. Schurco’s field services team worked through the weekend before the system was commissioned on 02 September.

Fred Aslett, sales manager, and Emile Fourie, managing director at Schurco Slurry South Africa, said the team worked through the weekend to get the pump running.

The company also adjusted the station’s variable speed drive, which it said had been running the pump too fast. Once the adjustment and commissioning were completed, water began flowing again.

However, residents say the water supply has not yet returned to normal.

Rina van Aswegen, an Eloff resident, said water was now reaching the area, although only intermittently.

“We had, for a long time in Eloff, we didn’t have any water, no water, nothing. So, at least now, every second day we are having water. It is a bit stronger, but it is not like it is supposed to be. But at least we can say thank you, we are having water now,” she said.

At Cosmos Old Age Home, the shortage was particularly difficult for elderly residents.

Val Marcus said some residents had been walking to JoJo tanks with buckets to collect water for basic needs.

“We old people here, we have to walk to JoJos with buckets, try and get water to flush our toilets. And there’s a lot of old people that just can’t do it,” Marcus said.

She said residents were grateful for the intervention.

“There’s not enough words to tell you how grateful we are for the donation of that pump. May God bless you for that,” she said.

The shortage also affected residents in Rietkol, where water is needed for livestock.

Bernice van Dyk said the improved supply had helped her provide water to her animals after struggling during the shortage.

“We really, really appreciate it because it did help for me to be able to give water to my animals, because we were struggling when there was no water,” she said.

Rosemary Korff, from Sundra, also welcomed the return of water.

“I just want to say thank you. It’s so awesome to have water again to give my animals water,” she said.

Schurco said its decision to intervene was driven by the community’s need and the availability of suitable equipment.

“Helping a community in need is always a privilege for Schurco. We have the pump on our shelf and there was a need,” the company said.

The company said it would provide further assistance if needed.

For residents, the donated pump has provided welcome relief, although intermittent water supply remains a concern in some areas.