Flood Impact and Cleanup
In early January, we initiated cleanup and repair work in response to the severe flooding experienced during the fall. These efforts also included projects outlined in our previous report. We focused on the septic system, roof repairs, and enhancing drainage throughout the property, along with general cleanup after the storm damage. Below are captioned images highlighting the various cleanup and restoration tasks completed around the property.
Septic System Repairs
After resolving drainage issues with a new tank in early 2024, which performed well through the high season, we were hit by the extreme floods of late 2024. Relentless rain from October to January overwhelmed the system, mixing with septic sludge and clogging both drainage fields. Two full septic trucks were needed to pump out the tanks, and several feet of contaminated sand had to be dug out by hand and replaced. We then began a month-long biological treatment to restore function and used a temporary overflow pit to manage excess water in the meantime. It wasn’t pretty, but it worked—and the system is draining again. Below are captioned images showing the repairs in detail.
Roof Repairs
During the recent floods, significant standing water accumulated on the rooftops, revealing several previously undetected leaks. We conducted a thorough inspection and repaired most of the affected areas, with particular attention to the points where air conditioning pipes and other elements penetrate the roof structure. Additionally, we applied new roofing asphalt in high-traffic areas near the doors and patched other damaged sections as needed. Several rooftop drainage pipes were found to be clogged with debris carried in by strong northerly winds and were successfully cleared using power washing.
Besides the main roof, the generator roof had its own set of issues. Several tiles were broken from falling coconuts, and it was leaking badly, and onto the generator. We quickly covered the roof with a tarp to prevent further damage, then cleaned, repaired and sealed the flat part of roof as good as we could, the tile part will need further repair . We also did similar repair work on the laundry room roof.
Below, you'll find captioned images showing the repairs in detail.
Storm drainage.
Floodwater from the parking area had been entering the septic system, contributing to its overload. We have now redirected the parking drainage toward the street to prevent this issue from recurring.
Additionally, the gravel at the entrance had become heavily compacted due to regular vehicle traffic. To restore proper drainage and surface quality, we loosened the existing gravel, removed the compacted sand underneath, and added fresh gravel.
At the rear of the property—particularly from apartment 101 to 103—we addressed a long-standing flooding problem. Rainwater from the roof had been draining through the downspouts and repeatedly flooding these units. To solve this, we installed piping to redirect the water toward the street, significantly reducing the risk of future flooding in that area.
Below, you'll find captioned images showing the repairs in detail.
Cleaning
The floods left behind layers of dirt on building exteriors and common areas. Extensive power washing was carried out across the property, including outer walls and key interior surfaces.
Below, you'll find captioned images showing the repairs in detail.
Maintenance
In addition to the post-flood repairs, several other maintenance tasks were completed:
A brand-new beach rinse station was installed next to the gate, providing a clean and functional spot for washing off sand from feet and gear. It also helps eliminate standing wateraround the gate.
The general area power meter base experienced a burnout; the damaged section was replaced.
We replaced a malfunctioning parking flood light, installed a new switch, and added a light for the passway to improve visibility and safety.
A leak in the gas tank plumbing was identified and promptly repaired.
The gate rollers were replaced, and we carried out additional rust treatment and repainting.
The white steel door leading to the east street was refurbished with rust removal and a fresh coat of paint.
The floats in the main water tank were replaced after damage from mineral buildup caused by hard water.
The pool pump received a new breaker, we repaired some leaks to ensure continued reliable operation.
Security
We had a few security incidents recently—one involved a desperate woman walking straight into the property, and others tried climbing the wall or squeezing under the fence. They were getting creative, so we had to step up our defenses.
We reinforced the east fence, which is now properly secured to the wall. The old wooden attachment had rotted away, so we replaced it with sturdy metal bars and bolts. At the main entrance, we installed a large, very visible security camera with a weatherproof housing. It looks intimidating—and yes, it’s always recording.
On the east side of the property, the guards needed better visibility at night, so we added extra lighting in that area. We also installed a new light on the small stairway that leads to the back of the building. A convenient switch was added to control it all—simple, effective, and much safer now.
We also added broken glass on top of the wall around the laundry and the garbage area because this is a blind spot.
Labor: $160
Septic trucks (2): $460
Sand and other materials: $62
Bacteria treatment: $120
Supervision: $100
Work performed on the main building roof, laundry, and generator areas. Tasks included sealing the roof and AC pipes, fixing and painting corridors.
Labor (3 people, 10 days): $740
Materials (sealing, roofing, paint etc): $384
Power washer rental (3 days): $120
Tools: $32
Supervision: $100
Plumbing and pipe installation in the parking area and behind the building.
Labor: $240
Materials and gravel: $168
Garbage truck (for debris removal): $50
Extra power washing of the facade, stonework, and outside walls.
Karcher power washer rental (4 days): $160
Labor (2 men): $340
Includes various maintenance and repair tasks across the property.
Gas tank repairs (materials & labor): $50
Float replacement in cistern: $40
Main gate painting (labor & materials): $90
Gate casters replacement: $60
Small gate painting: $30
East fence reinforcement (labor: $130, materials: $35)
Broken glass security install (laundry/garbage area): $30
Pool pump maintenance (labor: $70, materials: $12)
Installation of security camera with weatherproof housing (materials: $90, labor: $70)
New beach rinse station (materials: $35, labor: $40, plumbing: $60)
Lighting and pathway repairs (materials: $70, electrical work: $60, labor: $20)
Summary
It’s been a busy and challenging high season, to say the least, every repair and upgrade had to be done while we were at full occupancy.
I have to say our guests cheered us on and enjoyed the show :-)
Thanks to everyone's support.
Eric & Carmen