The Welridge Residents Association (WRA) has completed a refurbishment project at the Weltevreden Park Community Clinic waiting area, with new blinds, tiled floors and refurbished benches improving conditions for patients and staff.

WRA liaison officer Audrey Vrachionidis said the project began after she noticed patients, including mothers with infants, elderly people and sick residents, sitting in a waiting area exposed to wind, rain, sunlight and cold because of damaged blinds.

“The project started with seeing people sitting in a waiting area insufficiently protected from the elements,” she said.

The first improvement was replacing the torn blinds in June, when the Panorama Residents Association (PRA), the WRA and the RiverWel Residents Association contributed funds towards the replacement and installation of the new blinds.

Vrachionidis said she had initially considered replacing the clinic’s rusty metal benches with recycled plastic seating. However, after considering the costs, she decided to refurbish the existing benches and use the available funds for other improvements.

A contractor who is both a resident and a WRA member tiled the floors, removed the benches for the work and refurbished them at no cost to the association. According to Vrachionidis, the floors are now easier to clean, while padded cushions have made the metal benches more comfortable.

Two WRA members also donated benches with backrests for the inside waiting area, providing additional seating. Vrachionidis said the project was completed through contributions of money and labour from community members.

“The only challenge was funding, which was secured after a few calls, WhatsApp messages and transparency on costs,” she said. She added that the improvements benefited both patients and clinic staff, who serve a large area.

The new blinds were designed to allow fresh air into the waiting area while offering protection from the elements. Patients in the waiting area also told the Roodepoort Northsider that they were happy with the improvements, noting that the new benches, cushions, tiles and blinds have made waiting at the clinic much more comfortable.

Vrachionidis said she hoped the improved environment would help patients feel more comfortable and maintain their dignity when seeking healthcare.

She thanked the contributing associations, community members and ward councillor David Brand, who entrusted her with the health portfolio on the Ward 126 municipal committee.

With the work complete, Vrachionidis encouraged residents to respect the improvements by avoiding littering and damage to the facilities.