Ongwediva pays homage to 26 heroes
Celebrating notable figures of past and present
The Ongwediva Town Council's street naming initiative aims to commemorate the lives and achievements of remarkable Namibians.
The Ongwediva Town Council on Wednesday honoured 26 individuals who have not only played a fundamental role in the development of the northern town but also significantly contributed to Namibia's growth.
Some prominent names include Bishop James Kauluma, Lesheni Nghifikua, Rev Hendrik Dengeing, Dr Teopolina Tueumuna, Moses Hamutumwa, Pashukeni Shoombe, and Julia Shipindo, after whom a settlement in Ongwediva is now named.
President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's late brother, Denys Nandi, was also honoured with a street named after him.
The town council noted that the 26 individuals after whom streets were named are icons who played a remarkable role in the history of Ongwediva and Namibia at large. The council deemed it fit to pay homage to their outstanding contributions in the post-independence era.
Meaningful names
Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu said the street naming provides an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of residents.
“Street naming is crucial as it helps us to figure out where we are, talk about where we have been and ascertain whether we are heading in the right direction; and more so, it helps identify and locate a property and assist the emergency services to deliver or provide services, among other things,” he said.
Urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni, who officiated the event, said that honouring members of society by naming streets after them is a meaningful and enduring way to commemorate their lives and achievements.
Uutoni said the process of renaming streets requires careful planning, research and preparation, but the result is a lasting tribute that can bring comfort and pride to the bereaved and enrich the community of Ongwediva as a whole.
“In that light, through the naming and renaming of streets and places after persons who have made an impact on the development of the local authority and the country at large, we are fostering the foundations towards establishing a legacy that boldly embraces our nation’s painful history, in remembrance and reverence of the men, women and children who paved the way for us here today,” he said.
Some prominent names include Bishop James Kauluma, Lesheni Nghifikua, Rev Hendrik Dengeing, Dr Teopolina Tueumuna, Moses Hamutumwa, Pashukeni Shoombe, and Julia Shipindo, after whom a settlement in Ongwediva is now named.
President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's late brother, Denys Nandi, was also honoured with a street named after him.
The town council noted that the 26 individuals after whom streets were named are icons who played a remarkable role in the history of Ongwediva and Namibia at large. The council deemed it fit to pay homage to their outstanding contributions in the post-independence era.
Meaningful names
Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu said the street naming provides an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of residents.
“Street naming is crucial as it helps us to figure out where we are, talk about where we have been and ascertain whether we are heading in the right direction; and more so, it helps identify and locate a property and assist the emergency services to deliver or provide services, among other things,” he said.
Urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni, who officiated the event, said that honouring members of society by naming streets after them is a meaningful and enduring way to commemorate their lives and achievements.
Uutoni said the process of renaming streets requires careful planning, research and preparation, but the result is a lasting tribute that can bring comfort and pride to the bereaved and enrich the community of Ongwediva as a whole.
“In that light, through the naming and renaming of streets and places after persons who have made an impact on the development of the local authority and the country at large, we are fostering the foundations towards establishing a legacy that boldly embraces our nation’s painful history, in remembrance and reverence of the men, women and children who paved the way for us here today,” he said.
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