Restore Our Town’s Dignity

WRITING in my capacity as a municipal ratepayer, I agree wholeheartedly with the recently published objections to the current proliferation of billboards in Windhoek, particularly the giant billboards which are beginning to dominate the city.

In my view, the clutter of corporate messages is a form of pollution of public surroundings. Another concern is that billboards may distract drivers who should be looking at the road and not reading advertisements as they drive – and we already have far too many traffic accidents as it is.It is very short-sighted to place corporate interests and advertising income above more important, long-term issues – such as environmental interests, protection of Namibia’s appeal as a tourist attraction, and the public interest in being able to enjoy unobscured cityscapes.Please, City of Windhoek, clamp down on the billboard blight and restore the city’s dignity.Dianne Hubbard WindhoekAnother concern is that billboards may distract drivers who should be looking at the road and not reading advertisements as they drive – and we already have far too many traffic accidents as it is.It is very short-sighted to place corporate interests and advertising income above more important, long-term issues – such as environmental interests, protection of Namibia’s appeal as a tourist attraction, and the public interest in being able to enjoy unobscured cityscapes.Please, City of Windhoek, clamp down on the billboard blight and restore the city’s dignity.Dianne Hubbard Windhoek