Shivani Apartments @ Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai

Dear Residents & Business Owners / Tenants,

In 2012, the Shivani Generalbody voted for its Management Committee (MC) to take over the maintenance completely, and it was one of our best decisions. Despite starting to manage most of the maintenance with our own manager & employees, we continued to hire Ramaniyam Maintenance (RM) for certain work by paying them a fixed amount per month.

In the AGM 2015 it was resolved to replace them fully, after giving them the option to adhere to a new model of work.

1. RM was providing man power for On-demand work (Electrical, Plumbing, carpentry repairs, drainage unblocking) and Quarterly schedule (Tank / Sump / STP cleaning, Cob-web cleaning)

2. They would attend to only very petty problems and reluctant to take up various small civil repairs, and the like.

3. They had a chronic man power shortage and could not provide manpower as per our need. Remediation in case of escalation was absent.

4. We offered that they can work on a 'pay per work' basis, as the MC over the last 4 years felt that they amount paid was far higher than the value derived. They have refused our offer.

Well, we would be replacing them completely effective 1st July, 2015.

In the new Model :

a. We have a plumber / electrician who would do work on demand for common maintenance. Has worked with us earlier and hence MC considers him dependable.

b. For scheduled periodic work, alternate arrangements have been made.

Requirements of Individual Households / Businesses :

c. For household electrical / plumbing repairs he will be available on a ‘pay-per-work’ basis just as before. Available for businesses also.

d. Residents would continue to report requests to our Manager as usual. No change in that.

e. He would carry a Shivani Identification card with Photograph. Initially would be introduced and coordinated by Elumalai to ensure that everything is smooth.

d. You can pay him directly and a receipt will be issued after your sign your satisfaction.

The Managing Committee has done this in the interest of getting the best services for the money we spend, and to break away from the constraint we had till now. While it is natural for some of you to worry about possible disruptions, we would like to assure you that it has been take care of. After all, several major tasks and most of the maintenance activities in the last 5-6 years were done by various MCs and not by RM.

Last word : It is encouraging to note that a couple of businesses have already paid the next quarter charges, when multiple follow ups were the norm earlier. The members of the MC is running the association as a service. Requesting the Businesses premise owners to ensure that the maintenance charges are paid quarterly (not monthly) along with arrears on a timely basis. That would save us time & effort and encourage us to do even better.