FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CALL 039 311 1194
What is the current status of development of Ekubo Coastal Estate?
The current year (2011) is significant in the overall development as all residential stands as well as five of the sectional title sites from the developers have been sold. Building has been completed on twelve homes and owners have taken up residency. One sectional title development of sixty one units is under construction with two units completed and tenders out for the infrastructure. A second sectional title development of nineteen units is pending local council approval and is expected to commence construction early next year.The developers Star Choice Trading (Pty) Ltd are completing the refurbishment and additions to the original manor house on the estate. This development which will be the estate clubhouse consists of tennis court, squash court, swimming pool, gymnasium, conference facility, and restaurant bar area. Completion of this project is scheduled for October/November 2011.
An additional five sets of plans have received review council approval with three out to tender and the remainder pending local council approval. Two sets of plans are currently in the estate review process with conditional approval.
Who manages the running of the Estate?
The Ekubo Home Owners Association, Board of Directors and Management Team (EHOA).
Telephone: 039 311 1194/039 311 1195
Facsimile: 039 311 1196
Email: ekubo@telkomsa.net
Telephone: 039 311 1194/039 311 1195
Facsimile: 039 311 1196
Email: ekubo@telkomsa.net
What is the architectural them for Ekubo Coastal Estate?
An architectural "language" has been developed for Ekubo Coastal Estate and is detailed within the Architectural Guidelines. A strong Balinese aesthetic has been adopted which together with dominant roofscapes and large overhangs, earthy tones, colours and use of natural materials such as clay roof tiles and stone wall cladding whilst embracing a modern fusion translate into unique interpretation suited to coastal living conditions. The detailed guidelines are available from the Ekubo Home Owners Association administration offices or off the website www.ekubocoastalestate.co.za
May I appoint an architect of my choice to draw up plans for presentation to the EHOA Review Committee?
The Review Committee has a select list of accredited architects who are familiar with the design ethos of the estate, this does not however preclude new architects being used by owners provided they are registered with the South African Council of Architects and present their portfolio for accreditation by the committee.
How are building activities controlled?
In addition to statutory building plan submission and inspection procedures required by the municipality, the EHOA requires all owners to submit building plans to its Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee for approval prior to submission to the municipality, the ultimate regulatory authority for building and plan approval. A development manual, which details how building work must be controlled, is available from the EHOA offices. The EHOA has professional Review Committee members who ensure that the buildings are constructed in terms of the approved plans.
Do I need to get approval from the EHOA to extend or alter my home?
Alterations, which do not affect the external elevations of the building, require no consent but all external alterations, extensions or modifications require consent. Where a unit forms part of a sectional title scheme, the approval of the relevant body corporate will also be required. However, all alterations, whether internal or external, require the approval of the municipality.
My site has a designated footprint area. Can I construct anything beyond
the footprint area?
the footprint area?
No. All sites in Ekubo have a defined footprint area and All development including landscaping be contained in the maximum 60% footprint allowed. No disturbance of any kind may take place outside this defined area.
Is there a time-related building clause for building at Ekubo Coastal Estate?
Yes. A build-by period of 2015 was adopted at the last AGM. The one year to-build period remains as per estate documentation.
Will I be able to build a swimming pool on my site?
A swimming pool is permitted provided it is constructed within your footprint area.
Will I be permitted to fence my site or the footprint area within the site?
The free movement of Ekubo’s natural fauna requires that fencing on the estate will not be permitted.
Has a panel of builders been appointed to construct homes on Ekubo Coastal Estate?
The EHOA Review Committee has appointed a panel of accredited builders who are committed to the environmental and building standards set for the estate.
Who will protect and maintain the conservation areas?
All conservation areas on the estate have been transferred to the EHOA who will be responsible for the control and management of these areas in accordance with an Environmental Management Plan in place for the estate.
How will the area outside my allocated footprint area be maintained?
The area outside the maximum 60% footprint area will remain as open space, in a natural state and should not be disturbed except as part of the estate’s indigenous vegetation management plan undertaken by the EHOA.
As a keen gardener will I be permitted to plant and maintain my own garden?
The EHOA Review Committee requires that all landscaping plans be submitted and implemented by an accredited landscaping contractor. All stands must be landscaped according to a locally indigenous theme, no exotic plantings are allowed on the estate. Owners are required to enter into a maintenance contract with the appointed contractor or alternatively utilise the EHOA Garden Service to maintain their gardens.
What form of security and access controls are provided?
Ekubo Coastal Estate is a secure gated estate with vehicular access controlled via two security entrance points manned 24 hours a day. A biometric finger print reader system is in place for residents on the estate. The entire electrified perimeter fence is monitored by way of fence alarms and strategically placed CCTV cameras under the control 0f the estate security centre.
How will I be able to gain access to the beach?
The main beach access is through two security pedestrian gates located on the eastern perimeter fence. One to the northern side of the estate and the other at the southern side. Access through these gates is via the biometric finger print readers within the estate security system.
What are the current municipal rates for Ekubo and are they in line with the surrounding area?
Currently all stand/property owners are liable to the Hibiscus Coast Municipality for monthly land rates. In addition an annual water rate is levied by Ugu District Municipality on all stand/property owners. These are reviewed annually by the respective municipalities and are set according to rates bills. Both these rates are variable per stand and payable directly to the municipalities.
What services are included in the levy?
Levies are payable in advance monthly to the EHOA and include the following:
Electricity and water monthly basic and consumption charges to residents are billed by the EHOA, who receive bulk electricity and water supply from Eskom and Ugu District Municipality. These charges are detailed on monthly levy statements.
All charges relate to the current year (2011) and are subject to review.
- Safety and security
- Management and administration
- Maintenance of conservation areas and all common property
- Road and footpath maintenance and general upkeep
- Common property land and water rates
- Common property water and electricity usage
Electricity and water monthly basic and consumption charges to residents are billed by the EHOA, who receive bulk electricity and water supply from Eskom and Ugu District Municipality. These charges are detailed on monthly levy statements.
All charges relate to the current year (2011) and are subject to review.
Are dogs and cats allowed as pets at Ekubo Coastal Resort?
No dogs or cats are allowed as pets at Ekubo, as this is a sensitive eco estate with rare bird and animal species, such as bush buck and the diminutive blue duiker – the world’s smallest antelope.
Am I permitted housekeeping staff?
Housekeeping staff are permitted with the following regulatory provisos:
- Security clearance is required for all staff
- Access for staff is permitted only through the estate northern security gate
- Under no circumstances are staff allowed to walk anywhere on the estate
- Transport for staff members must be arranged to and from the security gate to their relevant place of business, alternatively owners may utilise the EHOA shuttle service at a nominal daily fee
Will I be permitted to erect a satellite dish on my site?
One satellite dish per site is permitted provided the dish is:
- Sited unobtrusively
- Sited so as not to be visible from the road or adjoining stands
