We are currently awaiting the official response from the Government regarding the approval of our Luxorious Casa Maris Eco-Estate. Below you find the official letter that was added into the EIA for al the officials to read. We have also added some architectural drawings of the future houses and an overview of the total Estate.
For more information or questions regarding Casa Maris Eco-Estate, please send your question and contact details to:
Mr. HJ Maris at Dit e-mailadres wordt beveiligd tegen spambots. JavaScript dient ingeschakeld te zijn om het te bekijken.
NEWS LETTER CASA MARIS TO SIR LOWRY'S PASS VILLAGE, DECEMBER 8TH
Read here the newsletter delivered to every household in Sir Lowry's Pass Village in the 2nd week of december.
NEWS ARTICLE "CAPE ARGUS' WEEKEND EDITION NOVEMBER 18th
You can find the article under the NEWS button or click here to read and download the article published in the Weekend Cape Argus.
'NEWS ARTICLE 'FINANCIEELE DAGBLAD', NOVEMBER 2ND
Read here the article in the leading Financial Dutch newspaper 'Financieele Dagblad' or click here to go directly to their website.
Official EIA letter Mr. Henk Maris
Sir Lowry's Pass Village, September 20th 2011
Dear Sir, Madam,
My wife and I already live for more than a decade in the beautiful South Africa, our second home. A country that is indissoluble connected to our Dutch heritage. As is Sir Lowry's pass Village. We have started this enormous project trying to provide the children of Sir Lowry's Pass Village with proper education. We believe by heart that knowledge is the way to a better future for Sir Lowry's Pass Village and South Africa. Upon succeeding our plans we hope to set an example on which many others will follow.
TRUE BENEFITS BY GRANTING LICENSE FOR 200 HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CASA MARIS
From these 200 houses, 23% of every sold plot will directly go to the Casa Maris Sir Lowry's Pass Village Education Trust, which is set up. Based on a realistic average selling price this will generate approx. R 100.000.000 for the TRUST, solely to be used for the education of the children of Sir Lowry's Pass Village. Starting with the 3 and 4 year old, helping them all the way through High School.
The future Home Owners will pay a monthly levy of R 500 (yearly inflation correction) towards the TRUST. This will generate a YEARLY INCOME of R 1.200.000 for the Trust. This will be part of the Home Owners Association Constitution. The Village and the Eco-estate will work closely together as good neighbours. This will create understanding, trust, security, and respect. Before the start of this EIA we have held a survey in the Village, this survey shows the massive support we have from their side in working together for a better future. (see Social Development Report)
Our project can generate 1800 jobs for the South African Economy, of which at least 400 will be permanent for this region. (Gardening, housekeeping, security). Inhabitants of Sir Lowry's Pass Village will have a preferred status to apply for these jobs. These jobs can generate a R 5.400.000 income per month of which a lot will flow back into the Village. (see Social Development Report)
Everybody who has taken a serious look at the current state of the development area can only acknowledge it is overgrown with ALIENS. It is naïve to think that by not approving for development the Environment will benefit. As a matter of fact the environment will benefit from this project. This is supported by the specialists' reports in the EIA. The developer is committed to ensure funds to clear these Aliens on the whole 430 ha and restore it to a Fynbos Reserve like it once was a long time ago. Bear in mind that ONLY 4 % of THIS AREA WILL BE DEVELOPED. Based upon a high standard in which the housing and their gardens have to blend in and become part of their fynbos surroundings. Due to the strict Design and Landscaping Guidelines we can assure this.
As part of the Eco Estate we will restore the Toll Huis into a museum. This piece of South African Heritage will otherwise become lost for ever.
We are aware that other developers have also promised to use part of their profit for a social benefit. Many of these promises have been broken. I want to make sure our promises will be kept therefor I request the DEADP to take our commitment towards Sir Lowry's Pass Village (sale % and levy) and the Alien Clearing of the whole Eco-estate area up into their CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL for our development!
You are about to make a very important decision, not just for Henk Maris, but mostly for the People and Nature of Sir Lowry's Pass Village. This is a once offered opportunity, and by not granting it, all the above will be lost. Remember, this is not your usual development EIA. In this particular case it was the wish to raise a significant Social Benefit that needed a Development, not the other way around! Therefor we kindly ask you to have a serious look at our EIA and consider all its assets together before making your decision. Doing this we believe there is only one choice that can be made.
Yours Sincerely,
Henk Maris
