Beitbridge to rename streets

THE renaming of streets, suburbs and business centres here in line with its municipal status is now in the final stages, acting town clerk Mr Loud Ramakgapola has said.

The exercise is in line with Section 212 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15).

Beitbridge was elevated to a municipality on March 9 as part of Government’s plan to accelerate development of the country’s busiest port.

“We have held a number of consultative meetings with senior citizens, local legislators and other stakeholders to come up with various names, which we have recommended for adoption by our full council,” he said.

“We will be opening tenders for companies that will be working on the naming exercise, which we expect to be complete by the end of June.

“At the moment, we have one suburb (Dulibadzimu) and the roads in the high density suburbs are not named. It’s high time we address that issue.”

Mr Ramakgapola said some of the proposed names for the suburbs include: Matibe, Tshidixwa, Sitauze, Khwalu, Mabidi, Vhembe View, Madinginye, Siyoka, Limpopo View, Dulivhadzimo and Milayo industrial areas.

He said they had chosen clan names and traditional leaders in naming the streets, business centres and suburbs.

“Some proposed names for the major roads include Mahopolo and Tshikwelengwe,” said Mr Ramakgapola.

“Our town is one of the fastest-growing urban centres and hence it is prudent that we organise it in line with modern development standards.

“The naming of streets and suburbs will also help us improve on service delivery, especially the provision of social amenities, and addressing challenges around services. These (services) include ambulances, fire brigade and the police to respond to emergency calls.”