Urban Fields

Is there something wrong with the water

This is not about the food; this is an exceptional restaurant with fine dining at its best. No this is about a nightmare experience on a different topic. I submitted a quotation to the owner to install pre-purchased Inverters and batteries with all the associated work and equipment. She also requested a proposal / quote to remove a very large Cyprus tree in between three sheds, this tree was casting shadows on the roof of the one shed where the solar panels were installed. While having another lovely banting breakfast, my wife and I were told by the owner that I was not successful in getting the inverter installation work. However, if I was interested, I could still take the tree down. I mentioned to the owner that I saw the proposal as a package deal, however coming to think of it I would proceed if she was happy with my terms. She requested a quote for only the tree, and I agreed. This tree was exceptionally tall, and safety was my priority, I purchased harnesses for the workers, and steel to manufacture supports. My budget was three days to take the tree down. On day one the owner's husband ordered my workers to do things differently to the plan we came up with. This had a big impact as this extra tree he instructed them to remove was not part of the project, and secondly it was key to protect a geyser that was mounted against the wall next to the big tree. From here on new demands were set continuously, however, their laborers did not remove the branches as agreed in time and we lost precious time in waiting for them. In the beginning, while cutting down the small branches they fell on the zinc roof of the shed (no damage at all) and the owner told me that she was not happy with that. I instructed the team to stop. We planned the controlled removal of branches and put that into action. I had to appoint another worker to accomplish this. So, days became weeks on this contract. Some of these branches were as big as a ten-year-old pine tree. The only way to remove the branches in a controlled manner was to provide an anchor by means of the metal support we manufactured. These metal pins were hammered into the stem of the tree as we worked higher, not only to provide steps for the chainsaw guy but also to anchor his harness and provide the anchor for the branch to be cut. So it happened that one of these branches, although anc****d swung down and hit the geyser. No damage was visible, nor were any leaks. The mounting anchoring the geyser against the wall pulled out about 5mm, we hit that back in with the hammer and work resumed, We worked there daily and never saw that the geyser was leaking. (If we were made aware of a leak, we would have fixed it ourselves very likely as part of the project). We were about 75% done removing the branches from the main stem when my workers phoned me and told me that the gate was locked, and they could not enter the premises. I drove there, went into the restaurant, and asked for the owner and was told that she wasn't around. So, we left. I went there the next day and was told that the owner was not there. I was then informed by one of the managers that she went to the Cape. The owner started sending me WhatsApp complaining about damages to the geyser, stating that it was going to cost her more than my proposal. I mentioned to her that it was not possible cause we were aware of it, and the geyser was 100% functional without any leaks when we left. I mentioned to her that she did not once keep to her side of our agreement, the agreed 50% deposit was still not paid. She then asked me via WhatsApp if she could appoint another contractor, my answer was no, I do not do business of this sort on WhatsApp and asked her when she would be back, I wanted a face-to-face meeting. During her absence, we did not continue any work. My team and I discussed the options and decided that the risk was too high if we proceed, and the fact that the owner was not happy with us, it would be better to give notice. I went to the restaurant in the afternoon as agreed. I told her of our decision. No mention was made of any compensation to us. I left this for more than a week now and feel that we should be compensated at least to what we agreed on prior to starting the contract. I posted a portion of this writing on Urban Fields Google page. What a pity, now I lost my favourite breakfast place too... I placed a portion of this review on Urbans Google page… interesting comments via WhatsApp received, however. A video on how it should be done …... they must have learned from us as our supports were still embedded in the trunk of the tree costing me Rands and cents see below... “This is what we ASKED your team to do....they didn't. Was not necessary to try and put the blame on me Arie on social media,.that's simply immature behaviour....put yourself in my position ....you would NOT be happy about how the whole thing was handled” “[08:43, 11/07/2023] Tania Urban Fields: And I didn't prevent you from entering on Monday....as a matter of faxt I left for the Cape on Wednesday morning already and my employees let your team in every day. It was YOUR decision to not continuenon Monday ...NOT because your twam was able to enter. If they were 'locked out', tell me how did they collect all their equipment while I was still away.....remember, it was your decision to walk away from your responsibility. [08:43, 11/07/2023] Tania Urban Fields: No Arie, let's keep the info and communication honest and mature...please” The day was Friday 30th of June … but if people decide they decide. So, we remove 75% of the branches in the way that her video indicated it should have been done, at the top, however, the technical difficulties at the bottom, as explained above were conveniently left out. But you know what can one say? My cost for this project was R16,746.53 I budged for three days (Quote R6210) which turned to eight due to various reasons some due to our inexperience …. Lessons learned…. PS I noted that about five meters of the tree still remain .... I can not stop myself from thinking that the second bunch of loggers were also perhaps treated like us .... no payment.. One of my workers made the comment, maybe there is something in the water in Tiepoort that make the people here *****...