Build@ KINGSWOOD

Homes, roads and underpass are all part of current construction projects.

Apart from the steady flow of construction on private properties, Kingswood residents can look forward to road repairs which, upon completion, will improve their driving experience within the estate and enhance resident safety.

Kingswood’s fabulous new community centre/clubhouse facility is the primary theme of discussion when considering the most high-profile of current construction works. Still, several other projects are either on the go or in the near- future pipeline.

Having a sit-down with KGE Facilities and Compliance Manager, Dan de Wet, is always a pleasure, as his days are filled with issues covering everything from wildlife management to conflict resolution. Dan’s dry sense of humour, combined with a deep understanding of managing man and beast at Kingswood for the past 14 years, makes for a riveting exchange of information.

Roadworks that work

Residents in the vicinity of Longbridge, Manor Road and Brookside can prepare for some remedial roadworks taking place on these thoroughfares as part of the Kingswood HOA’s efforts to maintain infrastructure and, where possible, proceed with the motto that prevention is better than cure.

‘A case in point,’ says Dan, ‘is the road at Brookside. On the left side, when moving in a southerly direction, we’ll be doing some stone pitching to control storm water. This work has been commissioned to ensure that we won’t be caught unawares in case of heavy downpours in the coming winter months.’

As has been mentioned elsewhere in this edition, the cement path that connects the 18th green to the 1st tee has become tricky to negotiate in golf carts. ‘The plan is to make the turn wider so that the incline is not so steep, which should go a long way towards preventing carts from losing traction when the road is wet.’

Dan says the first of these projects already kicked off on 7 March and that the work on roads and related infrastructure is due to be completed by 2 May. Residents are asked to be patient with contractors, their staff and vehicles while this important work is under way.

Repairs to large sections of Kingston and Longbridge roads as part of an asset maintenance programme, as well as the measures to reduce disruption of traffic, will be made known well in advance of works starting.

Go figure

To put the numbers relating to the building operations and transfers concluded at Kingswood this year so far into perspective, it helps to revisit the figures for 2024, printed in the December edition of The BUZZard.

At the time, according to HOA management team member Lize van Heerden, there were 35 active building sites and, by year’s end, a total of 36 completion certificates had been issued. Finally, 66 resale transfers took place during the course of last year.

Dan’s update since the publication of the last newsletter is as follows:

• Seven completion certificates have been issued.
• There are currently 35 active building sites on the estate, which include both alterations or additions and new builds, i.e. complete homes.
• The above does not include the major building sites of the clubhouse/community centre, or the Village development that is under way on the estate’s Rooi River border, which is being carried out by Lumacon Construction.
• As mentioned above, several smaller and more substantial projects include the repair or upgrade of roads and infrastructure in various areas across the property.

Let common sense and courtesy prevail

Dan reminds that all residents have access to guidelines pertaining to the maintenance of existing homes – such as colour schemes for painting, the height of exterior walls, and preferred roof materials.

‘It’s easy enough to follow these general architectural pointers, and to ensure that your property is clean and neat. This protects the image of the estate and promotes the Kingswood brand to the benefit of all owners and investors,’ he says.

He explains that contractors are required to cordon off their building sites, and that there is a zero-tolerance rule in terms of access to anyone but the working teams. When it comes to gardens, the requirement for cleaning and cutting goes without saying, albeit that individual owners are free to garden with gay abandon, considering the Kingswood Plant List and 80/20 indigenous/exotic distribution. ‘But please consult with the HOA first before working on verges.’

Facilities and compliance management

Dan is the go-to guy for residents dealing with building and infrastructure issues. But in the line of that duty, he also sometimes has to deal with interpersonal issues that result from homeowners’ concerns or nuisances experienced.

‘Always take your neighbours into consideration and remember that communication is key when it comes to alterations of any kind. Please report any emergencies – serious electrical problems or issues relating to water supply or burst pipes that could damage homes and run up water bills – to Masadi at the HOA offices in the Gatehouse Building, or contact the 24/7 Control Room (landline: 087 537 9733, mobile and WhatsApp: 083 522 0731).

Email daniel@kingswood.co.za with queries on building or alteration issues.