Street naming hits a nerve

The decision by Namibia’s Landless People’s Movement to name streets at three of its strongholds after party leader Bernadus Swartbooi has sparked controversy. Streets at Oranjemund, Keetmans­hoop and Mariental have been named after the politician. The Namibian reports that Swapo regional co-ordinator Matthew Mumbala said: ‘Money was spent without proper approval. Ask whether there was approval from the Ministry ... there was no approval,’ he said. The Local Authority Act gives local authorities the power to regulate the naming of streets and the numbering of houses and buildings. Urban & Rural Development Minister Erastus Utoni did not respond to questions regarding whether procedures were followed in the renaming of the streets after the politician. Political analyst Ben Mulongeni questioned the timing and location of the street renaming. ‘This sounds like a campaigning tool to advertise him for the looming elections,’ he said.