Implementation Update: 8 January 2008

www. dinokengbig5.com

8 January 2008

IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE – United we stand……..

Dear Landowner,  

Oh, how we all wish we could wave a magic wand and complete the outstanding paperwork!  Blue IQ are eager to publish the first of the tenders for the gates – the tender will be for the architectural design of the gates, offices and accompanying buildings.  But before that can take place it is the landowner’s responsibility to complete the outstanding paperwork.  Progress is slow but sure with a handful of documents still outstanding - but we can enjoy the on-site evidence of our reserve becoming a reality:

1.       Boekenhoutkloof grids FINISHED (result – speed limit 60kmph!)

2.     Removal of internal fences (result – get involved! Take down your fence! Sit on the stoop and enjoy watching the game dispersal into your garden)

3.     Closure of Tamboti / Kaallaagte road grids – many thanks to Larry Blundell for his assistance (result – speed limit 40kmph!)

Ecological, legal, human resource, infrastructure development and planning, community liaison, financial and business planning acumen are STILL urgently required by both the EXCO and the Management Association.  Should you wish to volunteer, on a co-opted full time or part time basis please contact admin@dinokengbig5.com.  You will be gratefully welcomed.

Siyaya are putting the last touches to the perimeter fence and will soon be off-site.  The recent rains caused a large amount of damage to the river gates that we have been fortunate enough to claim on the Siyaya insurance and the damage will soon be repaired. A big thanks to Siyaya for their workmanship which was displayed as exemplary when the straining posts exposed to the flood waters (in the main) managed to hold their own and very few were washed away.  Although we, the landowners, will need to repair and maintain the fence in the future, we can be confident that it has been well constructed and has the ability to withstand future challenges.

Our thanks to Jaco, Christo and all the teams that worked on the fence.

FIRE BREAKS:  With the wonderful rain of the last month the grass is growing tall!  Thinking ahead to the winter all landowner’s are reminded that, by law, all firebreaks must be well maintained, this is vital in view of the grass growth and the anticipated fires of winter.  DMA are in the process of registering the DB5 as a Fire Protection Association.  Once this has been completed we will be able to apply for a relaxation of this law and to establish larger fire zones.  Until then, existing firebreaks will need to remain in place.

The ground works around the perimeter fence included the construction of mitre drains to control soil erosion.  In order to limit damage to these drains during road grading and fire break maintenance we would like to request that only experienced grader drivers are used to grade these roads (Recommendation:  Johan “Microlite” R450.00 per hour / approx 2 km’s per hour)  As there is a charge to move a grader on-site, it is recommended that neighbours work together to minimise charges.  Should a group of landowners wish to coordinate this work under Lynn ’s supervision please contact admin@dinokengbig5.com urgently.

1.       Landowners are reminded that all development (building construction etc.) is subject to approval of the Nokeng Tsa Taemane local municipality and must comply with the regulations contained in the Consolidated Business plan.  Please ensure that all paperwork is approved prior to building.  

2.     Sunnyboy, a local Steve Bekoville resident, has been employed by the Management Association to patrol and maintain the fence from the N1 (Indian Shop) to the site of the Rust de Winter gate.  He will liaise with the local residents and school children as well as work cooperatively with the SAPS to minimise the vandalism on the Steve Bekoville fence line.

3.     DMA are looking at the feasibility of contracting a security service, linked to anti-poaching patrol’s, for the reserve.  The pilot project will require landowners to subscribe, for a monthly fee, to an armed response company who will patrol the reserve and respond to any emergencies.

4.     Magalies Water have generously agreed to house the quad bike and fence repair equipment on site.  This will enable Lario & Moses to walk to work!  Their offer is much appreciated and our thanks to the Harding’s who have provided a temporary home to the quad since it was purchased.

5.     Fence removal progress:  Larry Blundell has indicated his willingness to co-ordinate fence removals along the Kaallaagte road. Armant du Plessis volunteered his services for those along the De Wagendrift road. Mark Harding indicated that he would address his and James’ fences.  Other landowner’s who are “doing it for themselves” include Alan RW, Derrik “Tamboti” and Finfoot. Kwalata management will attend to their fences as soon as all the fences have been dropped on surrounding properties.  Progress can already be seen when driving around the reserve.

6.     Please:

a.      Adhere to speed limits

b.     Remind your workers not to take short-cut’s through other people’s property

c.      Respect the “No trespassing” rule.   Unless you have permission from the landowner, you are not welcome to “just drive” onto his farm!

Till next month….