Lüderitz mayor calls for street naming initiatives
Infrastructure vandalism costly
The town's mayor underlined that unnamed streets hinder the response time of emergency services, potentially endangering lives and resulting in damage to properties.
Infrastructural vandalism costs the Lüderitz Town Council an estimated N$500 000 annually, with about N$25 000 spent each year on replacing vandalised street signs and name boards.
This according to Lüderitz mayor Phill Balhao, who recently submitted a motion to have all unnamed streets in the harbour town named and called on residents to protect and preserve the infrastructure of the town to free up funds for other important activities aimed at addressing urgent needs. The last street naming process was conducted at Agate Park in 2019.
Balhao said unnamed streets hinder the response time of emergency services, potentially endangering lives and resulting in damage to properties.
“Clear street names enhance the experience of tourists and visitors and will promote Lüderitz as a well-organised and visitor-friendly town. It can ensure better services that benefit both residents and businesses while increasing the town's overall functionality and appeal. The naming of these streets can also foster a sense of community and pride among residents while reflecting the unique identity and heritage of Lüderitz.”
The motion was passed and referred to the management committee (MC) for consideration due to the financial implications involved. The technical department is assessing the situation and will compile a report on the cost implications. Once the MC approves the expenditure, the motion will be presented to the council for endorsement.
Comprehensive survey
The mayor proposed that the Local Authority Council of Lüderitz conduct a comprehensive survey to identify all unnamed streets within the town limits and initiate a public consultation process to gather input from residents, businesses and other stakeholders on proposed street names. “This process should include public meetings, online submissions and other appropriate methods of community engagement.”
He also suggested that a clear set of criteria for naming streets be established. “This may include but should not be limited to reflecting the cultural, historical, and geographical significance of the area. Proposed names should honour notable figures, events, or landmarks relevant to Lüderitz and Namibia. It should be distinct and not easily confused with existing street names.”
Balhao further recommended a streamlined approval process for the final selection of street names, involving relevant municipal departments and ensuring transparency.
“The council should allocate the necessary resources to update all relevant maps, signage, and databases once the new street names are approved,” he concluded.
This according to Lüderitz mayor Phill Balhao, who recently submitted a motion to have all unnamed streets in the harbour town named and called on residents to protect and preserve the infrastructure of the town to free up funds for other important activities aimed at addressing urgent needs. The last street naming process was conducted at Agate Park in 2019.
Balhao said unnamed streets hinder the response time of emergency services, potentially endangering lives and resulting in damage to properties.
“Clear street names enhance the experience of tourists and visitors and will promote Lüderitz as a well-organised and visitor-friendly town. It can ensure better services that benefit both residents and businesses while increasing the town's overall functionality and appeal. The naming of these streets can also foster a sense of community and pride among residents while reflecting the unique identity and heritage of Lüderitz.”
The motion was passed and referred to the management committee (MC) for consideration due to the financial implications involved. The technical department is assessing the situation and will compile a report on the cost implications. Once the MC approves the expenditure, the motion will be presented to the council for endorsement.
Comprehensive survey
The mayor proposed that the Local Authority Council of Lüderitz conduct a comprehensive survey to identify all unnamed streets within the town limits and initiate a public consultation process to gather input from residents, businesses and other stakeholders on proposed street names. “This process should include public meetings, online submissions and other appropriate methods of community engagement.”
He also suggested that a clear set of criteria for naming streets be established. “This may include but should not be limited to reflecting the cultural, historical, and geographical significance of the area. Proposed names should honour notable figures, events, or landmarks relevant to Lüderitz and Namibia. It should be distinct and not easily confused with existing street names.”
Balhao further recommended a streamlined approval process for the final selection of street names, involving relevant municipal departments and ensuring transparency.
“The council should allocate the necessary resources to update all relevant maps, signage, and databases once the new street names are approved,” he concluded.
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