adminThupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE exercise to name streets, suburbs and business centres in Beitbridge town in line with its attainment of municipal status is now almost complete, the acting town clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, has said.
He said the exercise was being carried out in terms of Section 212 of the Urban Councils Act.
Beitbridge town was elevated to a municipality on March 9 as part of the government’s initiative to accelerate development at the country’s busiest port of entry.
“We have held a number of consultative meetings with senior citizens, local legislators and other stakeholders and we have come up with various names which we have recommended and were adopted by our full council,” he said.
“At the moment we have one suburb (Dulibadzimo) and the roads in the high density suburbs are not named. It’s high time we address that issue.”
Mr Ramakgapola said they had chosen clan names and those of traditional leaders in naming the streets, business centres and suburbs.
He said some of the proposed names for suburbs include Matibe, Tshidixwa, Sitauze, Khwalu, Mabidi, Vhembe View, Madinginye, Siyoka, Limpopo View, Dulivhadzimo and Milayo industrial areas.
“Some proposed names for the major roads include Mahopolo and Tshikwelengwe. 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,” Mr Ramakgapola said.
“The naming of streets and suburbs will also help us to improve on service delivery, especially the provision of social amenities, and address challenges around services. These (services) include ambulances, fire brigade and the police to respond to emergency calls.”
He said services such as postal deliveries cannot be introduced when areas are not properly identified thereby hindering the billing system among other challenges.
The acting town clerk said they would engage partners in putting up modern signage in the town.
derick.khumalo