During the past 12 months, the Trustees completed a number of projects, the largest being the exterior refurbishment, which is now close to completion. We appreciate the patience of owners and residents during the  renovation.

After decades of maintaining Arnhem, Ken decided to retire at the end of February 2021. Both Ken and Gayle’s years of service are greatly appreciated. We wish them a relaxed retirement.

1. New Recycling Room.
The recycling room was successfully established by the Trustees in early 2021. Within the first week of recycling, the number of recycling bins had to be doubled due to the volume being processed. Apart from the major environmental benefits, recycling contributes to reducing the mess created by vagrants in the street. The recycling room continues to be well utilised and a very successful project.

2. Foyer Renovation.
Retiling of the foyer was completed at the end of 2020. New plants were added in September 2021.

3. New Intercom System.
An intercom system for the Loxton Road entrance was installed. The Trustees elected to use a cell phone based system to avoid exorbitant re-wiring costs for a traditional intercom system. The new system has an app that can be used by owners to open the doors. Full instructions have been circulated via Osro and are available on our website. Should you require a telephone number to be updated on the intercom system, please
notify Osro.

4. Security.

Electric Fence:
After a number of vehicle and garage break-ins at Arnhem, the Trustees decided to install an electric fence to secure the parking area and yard. The fence has drastically improved security. The total cost was R31 000. The power consumption for the electric fence is just a couple of hundred rand per month.

CCTV:
In addition to the fence, we have implemented 24/7 offsite surveillance of the entrance gates via CCTC. (We still feel that our motorised vehicle gates are weak points.) The cost of this service is R500 per month, and it has worked rather well.

Milnerton Crime Watch:
Milnerton Crime watch continues to provide a highly responsive armed response service to Arnhem. Their patrol cars regularly drive into our parking area during the night. Their response time is tested on occasion and is often less than 1 minute. Please retain their number in case of a security emergency: 072 542 0004

5. New Passage Lights & Signage

New passage light fittings were installed throughout the building. There were previously four different types of fittings installed. The new fittings are weather and insect proof, and will no longer break when large items are transported up the stairs. New signage was installed at the Milvale road gate, highlighting building rules and conditions of access.

6. Arnhem Website:
Please visit the Arnhem website which is continually updated and a key part of the interface between residents, owners, and the Trustees.

7. The Exterior Renovation:
The exterior renovation is mostly complete. On commencement of the project, Elite discovered extensive cracks and plaster spawling around windows, lintels, and old enclosed balconies.
We are delighted that Elite has managed to deliver the exterior refurbishment within the primary contract quotation of R750 000. The Trustees did expand the project to include the passages, front doors and garage door painting. This increased the total cost to R828 000.

At the time of writing, there are two outstanding cost variables.

• Exterior window “frame to wall” seal repairs on the northwest side of the building. We discovered large gaps below all North-facing windows. Once the cost has been established, these will be appropriately filled. This repair work may be carried over (in part) into next year.
• Cracks were discovered in the face brick cladding on the Millville road side. Elite has repaired a number of these cracks at ground level. The new cracks are however at elevation. The repair method includes installing steel reinforcement in each cracked brick. The cost and work program should hopefully be finalised by the AGM.

   

8. The State of Our Area:
Loxton Road and R27 (Marine Drive) intersection continue to face challenges from trucks passing through our area from the Port of Cape Town, on route to in-land container terminals. Trucks parking in Loxton Road and their disregard for the law is a serious problem. Michelle Coburn (a resident and ex-trustee) continues to work with our residents and other buildings to raise awareness of this issue. We encourage all owners to raise this
problem with the City of Cape Town and your Ward councillor Mr. Fabian Singh.

9. Visitors Parking Bays:
Reasonable use of the visitors’ parking bays is something that we need to address. While some owners rent parking bays, others use visitors’ parking bays for long-term personal use.
This needs some thought for a long-term and fair solution.

I look forward to seeing you at the AGM.

Nicholas Maunder
Chairman