Newsletter, November 2015

VRHOA Newsletter – November’15

__________________________________________________________________________________ As the season changes, we become aware that summer is almost upon us, and that the year is drawing to a close!

As members of the VRHMHOA, we are all subject the Rules of conduct that is expected of all residents in the Van Riebeeckshof area. To ensure that the rules are updated, the Trustees approved the comprehensive editing of, and amendments to our VRHMHOA Community Participation Manual & Design Standards Guide. This was done firstly to bring them in line with modern practice and also to clarify a number of Building & Architectural matters.

UPDATE ON THE SECURITY FENCE

In our July Newsletter we mentioned that work had commenced on the erection of a high quality security fence around Van Riebeeckshof similar to that protecting the Oud Westhof area. We are pleased to report that phase 1 and 2 has been completed and that work on the remaining stretch is now well under way. We are hopeful that the entire project will be completed by early February 2016 and to this end have reallocated additional resources for the completion thereof. A reminder that this project will cost in excess of R1.2 million when fully completed – money wisely spent to improve the security for all residents living in the area.

MAJIK FOREST UPDATE

The Majik forest, though falling outside of the area of responsibility of the VRHMHOA, it is an area that requires much of our attention. To this end as trustees we actively liaise and participate in the workings of the Vallei Committee that bears responsibility for the Majik Forest area.

The frustration of residents (especially those living in close proximity) is certainly justified and well known. At present, the closure of the area is viewed as a step in the right direction, with access being limited to persons who have an access tag. Although progress may seem very slow, one has to remember that one is dealing with local government, council, parks department, law enforcement and a host of other departments, with each department seemingly carrying its own agenda.

The good news is that after the recent site visit by Councillor Belinda Walker and her City of Cape Town entourage, progress is being made and further meetings have been scheduled at which possible solutions to this never ending problem will be tabled.

We remain hopeful.

SAFETY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

 Advise your security company if you are going away and ensure that you supply all the necessary information regarding nearby key holders, in case of an emergency  Inform your neighbours of your holiday plans so that they can keep an eye on your property  Stop newspaper deliveries and ask a friend / neighbour to collect your post as a bulging post box is a dead giveaway that you are not at home  Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors before leaving home  Ensure you have good exterior lighting  Do not leave tools like ladders or spades outside, as they can be used to break into your house

I want to take a moment to wish you and your family all the best this holiday season. I hope we will all enjoy a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Regards

Van Riebeeckshof Trustees

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ November 2015