If you live in a residential complex, summer brings specific maintenance, safety, and community management tasks that should be addressed early. Complexes (sectional title schemes or estates) often have shared responsibilities, so preparation should be both communal and individual.
Here are a few points to double check if everything is in order:
- Clean gutters and stormwater drain regularly - blocked drains are a major cause of flooding during intense thunderstorms.
- Inspect and maintain common area roofing and carports.
- Trim trees and remove dead branches to prevent storm damage.
- Schedule communal pest control treatment (ants, cockroaches, rodents, termites).
- Ensure bin areas are regularly cleaned and sanitised.
- Clear dry grass, leaves, and vegetation near communal areas to prevent fires.
- Maintain communal braai areas – check built-in braais, bins, seating, and lighting.
- Remind residents to use caution when braaing in high heat or wind.
- Ensure irrigation systems for communal gardens are set for early morning or evening watering to avoid evaporation.
- Use boreholes or greywater where available.
- Promote drought-tolerant landscaping (succulents, indigenous plants).
- Clean and inspect rainwater tanks if installed.
- Service communal lighting, especially in outdoor pathways and gardens.
- Service intercom systems, boom gates, and electric fencing.
- Consider additional patrols or camera checks if the complex is large or in a high-risk area.
- Summer school holidays, more children playing outdoors.
- Repaint or refresh speed bump markings and install warning signage.
- Remind drivers to slow down within the complex.
- Ensure playground equipment is clean and in safe condition.
- Service communal pools: check pH, chlorine levels, and pumps.
- Display pool rules clearly (no diving, children under supervision, no glass near pool, etc.).
- Check lighting and pathways around the pool for safety.
