Jasmine wrote:

One of the main problems with the one-Association-fits-all approach is that there is such a huge diversity within Marina Da Gama.

What fits the one…

does not necessarily fit the other.

A quick search of the recent municipal valuation roll will show that property prices in the area range from around R450 000.00 to R3.2 million.

This extreme diversity is not contained to the different areas of Marina Da Gama only. Take for instance Cannon Island Way. The cheapest property has a municipal value of R574.000, while the most expensive is valued at R3.150 million.

It does not take a genius to see that the needs of the one group cannot possibly be compared to the needs of the other. At present, the Association is charging a flat rate, which, although very low at present, will not remain so because of the recent changes to the constitution. It will therefore follow that those in the lower-income bracket will be subsidising those who live in the nice, plush areas of the Marina.

Although I am not in the least jealous of those who can afford large homes on the water’s edge, I do not see why I should be forced to subsidise their hair-brained schemes and as I bought my home without levies attached thereto, I do not see why I should sit back and accept a minority decision taken – especially since they did not even bother to notify me of the meeting where the changes were adopted.