Gated communities fast developing in Harare, here are the reasons
HARARE is fast becoming a gated community with the emergence of new estates focusing on hi-tech security and exclusivity, giving occupants a sense of pride and belonging.
Gated communities have controlled entrances and closed perimeters walls or fences to enhance the community security and pride. Most of the gated communities have constitutions that guide how each family should behave and how much levies should be paid towards the maintenance of amenities that service the community.
One of the top property development companies, WestProp Holdings, is leading the way with the provision of mixed use luxury gated communities that speak to the needs and aspirations of residents buying into the exclusive estates.
A US$500 000 gatehouse was recently commissioned at Millennium Heights, an exclusive development by WestProp Holdings.
Company chairman, Dr Michael Louis, who gave the keynote address spoke on the importance of gated and walled communities drawing parallels with South Africa where he lives.
He said gated communities provide security and confidence to occupants adding that WestProp was working tirelessly to safeguard the safety of residents investing into its developments. WestProp chief, Ken Sharpe, said the difference with the company’s gated communities are its additives that include shopping malls, office space, club houses, play and recreational facilities and restaurants among other critical amenities. The WestProp gated communities comprise of the Hills Luxury Golf Estate whose ground breaking is slated for the first week of May, Pokugara Residential Estate and Pomona City. A gated community is a residential area that is restricted by a physical barrier and has limited access. Residents have access to the amenities inside the community.
Sharpe said WestProp continues to be guided by the culture of doing things in excellence as symbolised by the Millennium
Gatehouse, which also presents the latest technology.
“We have invested in for the security in 24/7 CCTV surveillance and in that system, we have facial recognition and number plate recognition systems. So, all vehicles will be recognised before they get to the gate. When they get to the boom, the face reader will recognise their faces and say Welcome Mr So and So.
“You do not even need to interact with the security guards or even fill a form because the system is automated and digitalised through an AI system at the head office,” he said.
Modern Gated Communities —
some of the exciting features
According to www.bellacollina.com , gated communities became popular in the 70s as sanctuaries for retirees and seniors. They were developed as residential communities safeguarding against unwanted traffic and safety threats. They also boasted low-maintenance home ownership with, in most cases, landscaping, lawn care, trash removal, and more, maintained by homeowners’ associations.
Though gated communities come from humble beginnings, today, luxury communities with custom-built homes that provide magnificent aesthetics, exceptional amenities, and exquisite homes are more common than not. New communities pop up around the country each year. Modern gated communities, a far cry from those of the 70s, have elevated lifestyle standards tenfold.
Top-Notch Security Features
One of the biggest draws of living in a gated community is its inherent security features. Keeping a community gated helps to fend off unwanted traffic and visitors, well-meaning
or otherwise. Both car traffic and foot traffic are significantly reduced in private residential neighbourhoods. Unwanted guests, solicitors and through traffic cannot gain access to these neighbourhoods without permission or resident access. The reduced car traffic also makes the streets of a gated community safer for walking and children at play.
Likewise, gated communities typically have security features such as guards, surveillance cameras, and perimeter monitoring. These features serve as a deterrent to potential unwanted visitors and thieves. As advancements in security technology develop, luxury gated communities add them to their arsenal of elevated lifestyle standards to help keep residents safe.
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