The Otjiwarongo Municipality has approved the renaming of Von Trotha Street, among a list of streets to be rechristened in the Otjiwarongo informal settlements.

This was confirmed by Town Mayor Gottlieb Shivute, who said the council has been hard at work since October 2023, through its council resolutions, to have streets renamed in the town. 

'Von Trotha' Street was a thorny matter, with many of the town's residents proposing its renaming, deeming it an unwelcome reminder of the atrocities committed by the colonial-era German military commander, Adrian Lothar von Trotha.

Von Trotha is condemned in Namibia for his brutal methods that led to the near extermination of the Herero and Nama communities.

"The Otjiwarongo Local Authority Council has been seized with this matter since last year after the Street and Township Naming and Renaming Committee, at its meeting held on October 19, 2023, proposed names for the unnamed townships and streets in Otjiwarongo, including the renaming of Von Trotha Street. Subsequently, Council, by way of its Council Resolution Number: C11.16/07/03/2024/02 ODCM 2024 of March 7, 2024, approved the renaming of Von Trotha Street," said Shivute.

The council is also busy engaging with the families of nominees to obtain approval before the public is informed of street renaming inputs or objections to new extensions and townships.

In terms of road works and maintenance progress, Shivute said the council has started resealing potholes, adding that its roads division has been bolstered to enhance capacity and general performance. 

"Moving forward, we are committed to enhancing transparency and accountability in our operations. We welcome feedback and suggestions from all parties involved to strengthen our service delivery and maintain a harmonious working relationship."