Residents association projects uplifts Welties
It's all systems go for the Welridge Residents Association as they continue their work to uplift their neighbourhoods.
The Welridge Residents Association (RA) is one of the most successful RAs in the Roodepoort region, having gone to great lengths – and expense – to make the area under their watch one of the top neighbourhoods in the Northside.
According to vice-chairperson Audrey Vrachionidis, the RA attributes its success to the hard work and dedication of its members, especially its committee.
“The projects that we take on are all directly for the good of our residents,” says Vrachionidis.
“In addition, we work hard at building and maintaining good working relations with the relevant entities and authorities. This enables us to get things done.”
From City Parks and Zoos that regularly maintain the greenbelt that runs right through their area, to City Power that helps them secure their electricity infrastructure, the efforts of Welridge RA certainly get results.
“We also struggle with some of the same problems as other areas,” says Vrachionidis. “For instance, we had a problem with a water pump, where the concrete covering was broken and dilapidated. It took us two years, but it has finally been repaired.”
The greenbelt that runs from Cockspur Avenue to Jim Fouche Road is likely one of the best maintained in the whole of the Northside, largely due to the work of the RA, which pays an independent contractor to keep it clean and the stream clear of obstructions.
One of their latest projects, the installation of solar lights throughout the greenbelt, means that it is now even safer for residents. This is one of the few open areas where residents can walk in relative safety, and one can regularly see people walking their dogs in the park.
In years past, certain sections of the greenbelt were completely waterlogged, but that was brought under control with the help of a drainage system installed by the RA.
“Before, the road surface was badly damaged during every rainy season. Now the water is diverted into the drainage system, thus preventing damage to the road surface and surrounding properties.”
Their indigenous plant project, where they replace invasive species with indigenous plants and trees has also borne fruit.
“We’ve called in the help of a professional who has advised us on the ideal plants and trees to plant for this particular environment.”
