We’ll do it ourselves – WRA

The Welridge Resident’s Association (WRA) has over the past 28 years proven that they are not content with sitting on their laurels waiting for local authorities to attend to the needs of their neighbourhood.

Their efforts over the past nearly three decades have certainly paid off, with the neighbourhood under their management being one of the best maintained in the greater Roodepoort area. The WRA is continually working for the betterment of their environment, and at any given time, they have several projects running ranging from safety and security projects to the cleaning up and beautification of the greenbelt areas that make it so sought-after with prospective homeowners, and much more.

Upon entering the Welridge area, it is immediately evident that this is no normal residential area. The sidewalks are clean and neatly maintained, and you will be hard-pressed to find any strewn rubbish that has become the norm.

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According to WRA member and liaison officer Audrey Vrachionidis, the resident’s association is made up of a group of incredibly passionate members who take the well-being of their neighbourhood seriously. Despite the time, effort, and patience it takes, these people will stop at nothing to keep their environment beautiful and safe for families that call this area home.

One issue that has always been prevalent in the area, is flooding. With more than 54 natural springs dotted throughout Weltevreden Park, the water table has always been high. This often resulted in flooding during the rainy season, which rendered the greenbelt impassable and sometimes even dangerous. Not to mention the damage caused by the high water table to the local roads.

After years of trying to engage with the local authorities, the WRA, in typical fashion, decided to make their own plan. They raised funds and had a stormwater drain installed in Wonderboom Avenue to aid in redirecting stormwater into the stream and away from the road – and the properties of residents that had regularly suffered damage to their boundary walls and homes due to flooding.

In addition, the WRA spent over R60 000 on water-thirsty indigenous trees and plants, which they planted at strategic places throughout the green belt. This has had a major effect on the water table.

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“Before the drain and the plants, the green belt was a muddy and watery mess at this time of year,” says WRA chairperson George Carney.

“Now, our residents can enjoy the natural resources we have available.”

The WRA is very proud of the fact that they’ve managed to maintain very good relations with local municipal departments, especially City Parks and City Power, both of which have stepped up and helped.

“Our open areas are regularly mowed and maintained and City Power has thus far refurbished, painted, and properly secured 90% of our mini substations.”

Other recent achievements of the WRA include appointing an independent contractor to continually maintain pavements and curbs and clean the area around the stream, among other responsibilities. They have also spent over R500 000 on installing solar lighting at key intersections, as well as at mini substations to more effectively deter vandalism.