28 June 2010

The Constantia Property Owners’ Association (CPOA) is commemorating its 60th anniversary this year. To mark this occasion, the CPOA Executive Committee decided to undertake a survey of residents’ in order to establish whether our mandate to serve and protect the Constantia Valley in its present form is still relevant and meets the needs of the local residents in our rapidly changing and challenging world.

The CPOA would like to thank all residents who took the time to fill in the survey form which was sent out recently. The response was overwhelming with 44.4 % of CPOA’s members returning the completed form to our offices. At the same time, visits to our internet web site, www.constantiapoa.co.za, increased from around 300 per month to over 3000.

The results of the survey were most revealing and rewarding as they largely confirmed that the CPOA’s aims and objectives are in keeping with the needs and views of its residents.

To the question of what attracted Constantia residents to the area, the majority mentioned the rural character (50%), open spaces (30.6%), beauty (27.0%), tranquility (25.2%), green surroundings (22.8%), large erven (17.1%), mountain views and/or access (14.7%), trees (`12.3%) wine farms (9.9%), and, heritage sites (8.1%).

Other appealing aspects of the Constantia Valley that were mentioned included the recreational opportunities, like-minded neighbours, privacy, ‘great environment to raise a family’, good shopping facilities, well-maintained properties, up-market environment and good property investment.

To the survey’s question of what were the major concerns in regards to the future of the Constantia Valley and its character, 53% of the respondents mentioned densification, inappropriate development and excessive subdivision. Other aspects high on the list were ‘anything that will destroy the rural/unique character’ such as increase in commercial zoning, threats to and neglect of historical buildings, heritage sites and greenbelts, sub-division of wine farms, felling of beautiful trees/forests, cluster housing, high-rise buildings and loss of privacy.

There was a clear message that the CPOA should be vigilant in regard to the increasing pressure by developers and town planning autrhorities to promote densification as well as commercial expansion into areas that are world-renowned for their natural beauty and historical significance. When asked to comment on the available services and facilities in Constantia, 59.5% of the respondents placed the lack of road maintenance at the top of their list. Other serious concerns included the over-stressed, very old water and sewage systems which break down regularly, lack of recycling facilities and garden refuse collection, excessive rates compared to level of service delivery, increase in vagrancy, traffic and taxi control and the need to reduce the level of crime.

The survey also revealed that 72% of the respondents have been living in Constantia for more than 10 years and 54% of them longer than 20 years – a sure indication of a healthy and desirable environment that is worthwhile preserving in its present form.

It is indeed encouraging that 98% of CPOA members rated the performance of this association as being ‘very good’ or ‘good’.

For the executive members of CPOA, the outcome of this survey represents the confirmation of past efforts, and at the same time serves as a powerful incentive to continue with renewed strength along a similar path to ensure the preservation and protection of our beautiful valley. To this end the executive intends to convey the full results of the survey to the relevant service departments of the Council as well as the appropriate planning and heritage authorities.

(If you are not yet a member of the CPOA, please request a registration form from our offices at (021) 794-4388 or e-mail to cpoa@yebo.co.za. The annual subscription fees are R230 per household or R165 per single).