The Trustees have converted a small portion of the washing area into a purpose built generator bay. The base is 120 mm re-enforced concrete. The current intention is not to put a roof over this area, but this may change in the future, after assessing the noise.

The electricity crisis in South Africa is hard felt at Arnhem when the elevators are off, and residents need to climb up to 14 flights of stairs. Apparently significant national generation power will come on-stream during the course of the next 3 years. The national generation problem however will most likely be with us for many more years into the future.

Reports indicate that current generation capacity will need to double in 10 years to meet future demand.

The Trustees have been investigation potential electricity solutions for Arnhem. The primary issue is the operation of the elevator. The size of Arnhem, the increased frequency of load-shedding and the broad age range of our residents, makes this issue require some urgent consideration.

We are investigating the following options:

1. Inverter and Batteries.
2. Grid Tied Solar, Inverter and Batteries.
3. Diesel Generator.

The Trustees will put the various options and costs to the owners for discussion and a final decision. This will take place at the next AGM or at a special general meeting.

While there are many complex considerations in making a decision, environment impact, long-term sustainability of the solution, and cost are all key in our thinking. We will keep you posted.

The recycling room has been further developed into our new “Green” room. The room is now more organised, and able to handle a much greater volume of recycling. New signage has been installed to highlight which items go where. A new funky green gives the room some character. A new light will be installed which is motion activated. Please feel free to use the recycle room at all hours and follow the necessary signage. Thank you.

The Trustees have appointed Innovative Cleaning to clean all passage floors. The work will start on Tuesday 10th May 2022, and should be completed within 10 days. Please remember that the passage tiles are 50 years old, and while the clean will be a notable improvement, they will retain some character.