The new Ridge Walkway leads from one side of ward 3 Orange Farm to the other

GODFREY Modiselle, an elderly but chipper resident of Orange Farm, is "elated" by the recent string of developments and upgrades taking place in his neighbourhood.

Modiselle, who lives in the southern-most tip of the metro, arrived in the area when prospects for its development were still vague, some 17 years year ago. When he settled there in 1992, the area - originally an orange farm, from where it gets its name - was an informal settlement, marked by a cluster of corrugated iron shacks, and a lack of sanitation or satisfactory infrastructure.

However, what has taken place in Orange Farm in recent years is meritorious and significant, notes Modiselle, the chairperson of a civic organisation in the area. These include the formalisation of informal settlements, paved and tarred roads, permanent housing for some, running water and sanitation, electricity, a clinic, an information and communications technology hub; a multi-purpose community centre and transport facilities, to list a few.

Modiselle has witnessed all the developments that have taken place in Orange Farm so far, from the days when the area did not have those things that determine better quality of life, such as shelter, sanitation, infrastructure, and social and economic opportunities, to what it can boast today.

And what he witnessed on Tuesday, 3 November was not only a "dream come true for us", but was also the culmination of efforts that have come "to fruition" in a bid to upgrade the underdeveloped area. It was on this day that the new Ridge Walkway was launched.

Funds

The play equipment is proving to be very popular

Using funds from the National Treasury, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) spearheaded the construction of the walkway in Ward 3, Orange Farm, which is in Region G. The walkway enables easy access for residents to social amenities, including economic and transport nodes. It will also help to curb the number of murders and rapes that were associated with the old footpath.

The old, rock-strewn and narrow footpath used by people daily to get from one side of the suburb to the other, has been turned into a decent walkway that cascades from the top of a ridge. It is complete with artefacts that depict Orange Farm's rich history and heritage, lighting, balusters created by mountain rocks and resting points. Now six metres wide, the path has been called the Ridge Walkway, and also comprises a range of mosaic murals of children's hands and a paved area that leads from a local school to a playground at the edge of the ridge, which has swings and play equipment; it is a favourite for local youngsters. Artefacts depict large orange trees and a mother and her son picking oranges. Construction of the walkway took six months, and cost R7,4-million.

Rejuvenate

It's a team effort, says Roslyn Greeff, Joburg’s portfolio head of development planning and urban management

Part of the JDA's mandate, as a municipal-owned entity, is to rejuvenate decaying areas of the city through enhancing their ability to contribute to economic development and the quality of life of residents.

It believes that the walkway will improve access to socio-economic amenities, improve communal living, boost the aesthetics of the area and enhance civic pride.

Modiselle explains that before the walkway was built, people found it "really" difficultconomic development and the quality of life of residents.to cross the rocky ridge.

"We first summoned the help of the SABC through Zola 7, which made an inspection but didn't follow up. We had asked for resources and equipment but we did not receive anything. At some stage we felt helpless, but today it is with joy to see our efforts and sacrifices having come to fruition. The community is elated, ‘si'jabulile'. We are definitely going to patrol and secure, and see to the safety and stability of this Ridge Walkway."

He also remembers that accidents that happened on the old pathway. "A certain woman in the community who was semi-disable once fell on the old rocky way. Some others, me included, also fell and fainted here. School kids also used to fall here when it was rainy and would go to school in muddy clothes; it was a challenge to cross here."

It was also a crime hotspot. "We are hoping that [these] things won't happen anymore."

Team effort

Speaking at the official launch of the walkway, Roslyn Greeff, Joburg's portfolio head of development planning and urban management, said the construction of the walkway was a culmination of efforts of the community, the professional teams, Region G and the JDA.

"I must say that although it was quite hard coming up the stairs, the view is really beautiful," she said perkily.

"This node is of particular importance to the residents of Orange Farm and their visitors as it will make the arrival and dispatch by public transport and their commute to public facilities so much easier - and it will make everyone so much fitter."

The walkway was not only important to Orange Farm residents, "but it is also important to the general economy of Johannesburg". The suburb was a priority development area. "The City remains committed to the upgrade of this area as well as the economic development of this community."

According to the JDA, the construction of the walkway, juxtaposing the Stretford Metrorail train station, is the first phase of a widespread project to upgrade Joburg's deep south. A number of developments, including a shopping centre and other social amenities, have been proposed for the area.

In a press statement, Lael Bethlehem, the chief executive of the JDA, said upgrading previously marginalised communities illustrated the City's continued commitment to support economic upliftment and improve service delivery.