The City of Windhoek has approved renaming Rand Street at Khomasdal to Joshua //Hoebeb Street to honour the former ambassador for his lifelong contribution to education, community development and Namibia’s liberation struggle.
“//Hoebeb, known as Meester, was born on 14 August 1935 in the Omaheke region. He was a teacher, politician, community activist and diplomat,” reads a statement issued on Friday following an ordinary council meeting held on Thursday.
The statement says //Hoebeb played a significant role in political organising and education, particularly at Katutura.
//Hoebeb served as Namibia’s first high commissioner to South Africa and took part in the negotiations that led to the reintegration of Walvis Bay into Namibia in 1994.
He also served as high commissioner to Botswana and governor of the Kunene region.
Independent Patriots for Change councillor Werner-Meck Tjihuiko has expressed disappointment with the item on the agenda, citing that it is not important compared to ongoing issues faced by residents.
He says issues such as flooding and potholes continue to affect residents, and that the renaming of a street brings no change or improvement to their quality of life.
Meanwhile, the council also approved an agreement with the World Wildlife Fund to advance sustainable development and environmental stewardship in Windhoek.
The agreement is aimed at addressing key challenges such as water scarcity, waste management and climate change, while promoting community participation, conservation awareness and sustainable practices.
Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona says the city anticipates continued high rainfall during the ongoing rainy season.
“Residents are, therefore, urged to remain vigilant, practice careful conduct and avoid crossing flooded roads and riverbeds as per the recently issued flood advisory and safety warning,” he says.
Uunona says although no injuries have been recorded thus far, response teams have recorded isolated incidents, and residents are urged to protect their homes.
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