We are finally in a position to proceed with the borehole project. In order to do so, we need to pass a special resolution approving the project and the special levy to fund it.
We have done a hydrological survey, and it looks like we have good water available, both in terms of quantity and quality. However, we won’t know for certain until we drill.
The borehole will be sunk at the end of River Walk. The storage tanks, pumps, and filtration system will be located far away (and out of site) in the Eastern public open space.
The water will be plumbed to each property, as per the diagram below, and will terminate at each property with a standard outdoor tap.
We expect the water to be suitable for all external uses (filling pools, washing cars and irrigating gardens).
Should you want to go completely “off-grid” you will need to do some additional filtration and plumbing at your property. Classic Conservation has provided a quote for this work, and expect it to be in the region of R19,500 per property.
The costs for the estate project are approximately R411,500 (or R13,717 per property):
- Hydrological Survey – R21,000
- Drilling Costs – R130,500
- Tanks, Filtration, Metering, and Plumbing – R240,000
- Electrical Costs – R20,000
In order to fund this, we will be raising a R420,000 special levy. This is R14,000 per property, and it will be split into ten monthly payments of R1,400 starting as soon as we have passed the special resolution. This will require that 75% of Oakwood owners are in favour, and the resolution will be circulated in early July.
There will also be ongoing costs in terms of electricity for the pumps and maintenance for the tanks and filters, but they are nominal.
Our intention is not to limit supply, nor to charge for water at all. However, water usage will be monitored, and should there be an issue with supply or any excessive use, we might have to create policies regarding this in the future. However, any revenue would flow directly back to the estate, and not to any external parties.
If you would like to be involved in the project, or if you have any specific concerns, please liaise with the estate manager and ensure that you are included in any discussions with the project management team.
QUESTIONS:
Are the blue lines on the proposal where the distribution line will pass? This is the opposite side from our water meter. My understanding was that the distribution line would arrive at our property next to the water meter. Please comment.
In the original communications, the trustees mentioned that the borehole water would be plumbed in where the water mains come in. However, this pushed up costs massively, as paving would have to be lifted, and additional filtration would be required at the tanks.
As a result, the trustees have opted to propose a simpler solution. Should individual properties want to plumb into their mains, nothing prevents them from doing so.