Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Due to the fact that the Trustees often get asked the same questions repeatedly, I thought it would be a good idea to add a post of FAQ's. The list of questions below may not answer all of your questions, so it will be updated from time to time.

Q:- What do the levies cover?

A:- The most expensive item on the list is "Sewerage", as of 1-Nov-2019 sewerage costs which is 90% of your water consumption will be recovered through your levies. " Garden service, and Insurance are also in the top 80% of your levies. see the chart for a full breakdown: Breakdown of levies (Graph) Hovering your mouse pointer over each of the bars reveals the item and value.

Q:- When do the garden service come.

A:- Every two weeks. If your exclusive use gate is locked, your garden won't be attended to.
      You are responsible for keeping your exclusive use areas 'neat and clean'

Q:- Who manages our complex?

A:- Pam Golding are our managing agents. Contact details below:

Lara Coe (portfolio Manager) lara.coe@pamgolding.co.za

PAM GOLDING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES (PTY) LTD Ground Floor, Mandela Rhodes Place, cnr Wale & Burg Streets, Cape Town

PO Box 2398, Cape Town, 8000
Tel: +27 (021) 426 4440 | Fax: +27 (021) 426 0777 www.pamgolding.co.za

Q: - Who is my trustee for 2019-2020?

A:- Please contact Pam Golding to get contact numbers of the trustees below:

Units 1 - 25 Sallie Liechti. (Unit 18)

Units 26 - 41 Tamaryn Pope(Unit 31)

Units: 42 - 68 Malcolm Hurst (Unit 45)

Units: 79 - 90 Alisa Bingham(Unit 72)
Units: 69 - 78 Steve McDonagh (Unit 49)

Q:- What should I do if the water goes off?

A:- Read the article on this blog about "Burst pipe on the common property."

Click this link to see what to do if the water goes off

Q:- Why do I get a water bill on my levy?

A:- The municipality charges for the amount of fresh water consumed for the whole complex. The cost for each of the units is then recovered through your levies. This is made possible through the trustees reading the individual meters. Pam  Golding calculates your usage cost - They keep up to date with the current 'per kilolitre cost.' As of October 2019, you will also be charged the CoCT sewerage charge, which is calculated at 90% of the fresh water tariff. The City as set the sewerage tariff at 90% for cluster homes like Rietvlei Park.

Q:- Why was my electricity switched off?

A:- Tenants renting from owners are responsible to have the electricity account registered in their own names. If this is not done, ESKOM will switch off your power when the previous tenants process their disconnection request.

Q:- Can I make alterations to my unit.

A:- The short answer is: Yes, you can. However, any alterations need to be approved by the trustees. Some owners have made alterations to the inside of their units, but not without permission from the trustees, and not without expert advice from a building expert, usually a civil engineer.

Alterations to the exclusive use area are regulated by the Sectional Title Act. Section 24 of the act gives very clear guidelines as to how to proceed. The trustees can not authorise EUA alterations on their own. The process as laid out by the act, must be followed. This means a special resolution at a general meeting needs to be passed by the owners within the scheme - Then there is the fact that the land surveyor or architect concerned needs to submit a draft sectional plan of the extension to the Surveyor-General for approval.

My advice would be to read, and understand thoroughly, section 24 of the act, before proceeding.

Q:- Can I put a roof over my carport, and or Patio?

A:- A roof can be fitted over the carport and patio, but again, owners must apply in writing to the trustees, through Pam Golding. You need to provide a sketch of the proposed structure. You also need municipal approval for the proposed structure. It is the owners responsibility to submit the plans to the Municipality.