POLITICS
R800m to change Pretoria street names - FF+
Conrad Beyers |
19 September 2008
These figures were revealed at a workshop for members of the Tshwane Metro Council`s Public Place and Street Names committee (held Friday 19 September 2008). One of the external advisers of the committee, Dr. Johan Pickard, informed the committee that the name changes would have far reaching implications.
Dr. Pickard said that the 27 street name changes will affect more than 27 000 businesses and property owners directly.
In all these cases, title deeds will have to be re-issued. Furthermore, businesses will have to make radical administrative adjustments in order to accommodate the name changes.
The issue of new road and land maps will also make up a significant share of the costs, according to Dr. Pickard.
According to Mr. Conrad Beyers, FF Plus councillor and member of the committee, the planned name changes will have a very negative effect on business activities in the city.
"The ANC`s irresponsible name changes not only polarises the Capital`s communities, but will also give the City a serious economic setback", Beyers said.
The City Council`s policy regarding name changes stipulates that more than 51% of residents and business in a street should consent to a name change, `in the spirit of democracy`.
"Business owners and residents should participate in great numbers in die Council`s Public Participation meetings to air their complaints and objections. Although the ANC will try to sidestep the 51%-requirement, residents and pressure groups should make it impossible for them."
The total costs of the street name changes include:
1. New street name boards;
2. Title deed registrations for new addresses;
3. Administrative changes;
4. Changes to maps;
5. Postal and street direction guides for new names;
6. Advertisement necessary to give notice of new addresses;
7. GPS changes;
8. Consultation costs.
Statement issued by Conrad Beyers, Freedom Front Plus, September 19 2008
