Brown-hooded Kingfisher at Dam#1

COMMUNICATION

A friendly reminder that all communicaton to the Welgelegen Homeowners Association to be addressed to Elsabè Gilson using the following contact details .

Tel no:   071 526 5322

E-mail:   admin@welgelegenestate.co.za

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

Members will recall the decision taken at the AGM held in November last year to convene a Special General Meeting (SGM) in the February 2022 time-frame.  This is required primarily to finalize the entrance upgrade design and associated special levy, as well as some other outstanding matters, including feedback on costs and options in relation to suppliers servicing our estate environment.  In terms of the entrance upgrade, good progress toward a final design has been made in the interim by the task team, but there is still some work to do in terms of detailed costing.  Time and attention needed on matters relating to the storm damages, as well as the traditional holiday periods, has left us still awaiting some inputs before the final costs and options can be prepared for member review/approval.  Consequently, the Trustees have decided to postpone the SGM to a later date in order that this critical item can be addressed.  As soon as the final preparation is complete, Members will be advised of the revised date in accordance with the necessary meeting notice protocols.

NOTICE

The protection of the estate’s natural fauna is of critical importance to the estate environment as a whole, and to the many members and residents who enjoy this aspect of the Welgelegen lifestyle.  Previous newsletters have addressed this matter in some detail, but the levels of concern regarding the continued impact of wandering pets is such that a relocatable camera trap will be deployed to monitor areas in the estate and identify any “rogue” pets.  All pet owners will be requested by the HOA Administration office to submit a photograph of their pet(s) which will be held on record.  This will be used to help identify any pet transgressors and allow owners to be informed and hopefully act before any damage is done.  Pet owners are again reminded that their animals must be contained within the property, especially cats at night, and that dog owners walking their dogs on a leash must collect and dispose of any fowling along the way.

SECURITY

Following the departure of our Security Supervisor, John Jacobs, at the end of December 2021, interviews for a permanent replacement are well underway.  We anticipate being able to appoint a suitably qualified person into this post very shortly.  Residents will be advised of the details in due course.  In the interim we continue to rely on Niqua Security to provide temporary resources to ensure day-to-day operations not impacted.

ENVIRONMENTAL  UPDATE

The Environmental Committee (“EC”) has started 2022 with vigour.  A number of exciting projects have been embarked upon.  During January the EC, Terrain Manager, and Turfworx conducted a planning session where upgrades to a number of areas was discussed, agreed, and planned.  This is a true collaborative effort with the EC providing the vision, Turfworx responsible for all the landscaping, and the Terrain Manager handling the technical and supply requirements. All costs associated with these projects are contained within the approved budget for the 2022/23 financial year.  We are looking forward to seeing the end results in a few months.

Paddagat Greenbelt

With the last house to be built soon, this means that Paddagat will be completely enclosed by houses.  The project will see the three entrances to the park being completed along with proper signage.  The main gardens will see some minor upgrades. 

Fish Eagle Greenbelt

This barren greenbelt will be developed into a park.  Following a meeting with neighbouring residents to obtain their inputs and collaboration, Turfworx have proposed a design that will add tremendous value to residents in this eastern corner of the estate.  Work will commence whilst having to consider the current building activities surrounding this area.

“Highway” Garden

The upgrades of the entire length of this garden will continue as soon as rocks from a building site are received and the irrigation system (rainwater) is complete.

 The “Pulpit”

The restoration of the area at the top of Mooikloof, which was damaged by earthworks, will now be completed and the lookout area around the bench will be tidied up.  When repairs to the roads start, following the flood damage, it is planned for irrigation water (rainwater) to be supplied to the northern side of Welgelegen Boulevard.  The lack of water on that side was the main reason why restoration of that particular area has not been completed yet.

Drie Damme (“Three Dams”) Greenbelt

This being the main greenbelt in the estate, some major development will be done over the next few months.  With access historically via open erven on either side of the braai / play-park area soon to be totally cut off, it means that a proper path from Welgelegen Boulevard to the braai area and play-park, as well as Dam #1, will have to be constructed.  It is planned for paving bricks becoming available from the road repair to be reused here.

The area around the overflow of Dam #2, and the dam itself, require some attention.  Most work will have to be done in the area between Dam #2 and Dam #3.  This area used to be a dumping site for tree trunks when the estate was developed, and some building rubble could also be found there.  Over time the tree trunks have decomposed which has left this area extremely uneven and dangerous to access.  Together with unwanted plant growth, the area is in serious need of upgrading.  There is however some lovely indigenous plants having tremendous potential to become a huge focus point in the area.  A trail from Dam #2 to Dam #3 will end at a wooden deck with a park bench that looks out over Dam #3.  Eventually the trail will continue to follow the length of the valley to the future planned main hiking trail further down towards Modderrug River.  The work has already started although it will take some time to complete. 

Corner Gardens

Then there are few outstanding corner gardens that will be upgraded during the next few months.

Good luck to the team!

We are looking forward to seeing the end results in a few months