The FairValley EcoVillage professional team, along with the intensive support of the Fair valley Association Executive Committee, concluded in the end of February 2008, as planned, its initial pre-feasibility study. The positive conclusions enable the Fair Valley Association to approach now potential strategic partners and to negotiate financial support to develop the land.
The process started November 2007 with appointments made by the Association with the support of Charles Back. Ori Ilan appointed project manager, joining Judy Ferdenando, who was already working with the members on developing their leadership skills. Soon after three other appointments made – Mike Schroeder, architect-planner appointed as head planner; Mario Filippi, civil engineer of Lyners Engineering and David Hellig, town planner-land surveyor of David Hellig & Abrahams. The last team member to join in January 2008 was Bianca Gilfillan, environmental consultant of Enviro Dinamik. Legal advice is been given by Fairview’s attorney Anton Melck of Cluver & Markotter.
The team since met on a regular basis looking at a number of major key issues, which may determine the viability of the EcoVillage –
Optional plans – Densities, plot sizes, usages, layouts, houses’ types and models; building materials, passive solar design; costs estimates and initial feasibility.
Civil engineering services – Water supply, sewage treatment, fresh, grey and black water-wise methods, renewable and traditional energy sources, costs estimates and initial feasibility.
Environmental assessment
Town planning statutory procedures and requirements.
Market demand analysis and initial marketing plan.
Management and community development aspects for the long run.
Not without some challenges ahead, the team is convinced that the project is viable and that a further progress to the next level of conducting a thorough feasibility study is worthwhile.
These are very good news for the Fair Valley Association beneficiaries, even though the stage of planning, from now until plans are complete, approved and ready for implementation, will extend over the two coming years.
There are two concrete offers on the table now, which the Association must look at and make a decision within the next couple of weeks. Once agreement will be signed, all steam ahead with the planning process!
The Fair Valley Association wish to thank the professional team, for their dedication and contribution, Charles Back for his overwhelming support and to the councilors and the officials of the Drakenstein Municipality for their commitment and assistance. Also thanks to the Sustainability Institute in Lydoch, for the good advice and precious information, to the Stellenbosch University Business School and all the other wonderful people who took the time and made the effort to share their knowledge with us during the passed few months.
We shall keep you posted soon.
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