Bach Street renamed after Riruako

WINDHOEK, 22 AUG  – Bach Street in Windhoek West was on Wednesday renamed after the late Paramount Chief of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority, Kuaima Riruako.
Speaking at the occasion, Windhoek Mayor Muesee Kazapua said the Council of the City of Windhoek decided to rename Bach Street in honour of Riruako, after various applications were received from individual members of the community and the traditional authority.
“The street measures approximately 2 630 metres in length and joins with, among other streets, Hendrik Witbooi and Sam Nujoma Drive. The direct connection with the aforementioned streets befits the relationship and social accolades Paramount Chief Kuaima Riruako shares with those two leadership personalities,” Kazapua noted.
He further explained that the decision to honour the late chief in this way was unanimously taken by the council, due to the instrumental contribution Riruako made towards the development of Namibia.
The mayor said the renaming of Bach Street after the late chief, is more strategical compared to Shanghai Street, which was suggested by some members of the community.
“The renaming of this street will forever reflect on the dedication he held for the social wellbeing of his community and Namibia at large,” added Kazapua.
The City of Windhoek adopted street and place naming or renaming policy guidelines, by which streets and places in Windhoek are named or renamed after community members who devoted their time to their people.
Among the enumerable achievements of Riruako are pushing for the passing of the genocide and reparation motion in Parliament; starting the class lawsuit against the German government in New York together with Professor Mburumba Kerina; the request for the return of the skulls of the Ovaherero and Nama from Germany and his participation in the repatriation of the first skulls.
Thanking the City of Windhoek on behalf of the Riruako family, Addy Jariumue Riruako said: “As a clan we are deeply moved by the enormous respect and recognition accorded to our son by having been accorded a hero’s funeral and a street renamed after him.”
He further urged the City of Windhoek of keep on honouring befitting heroes of the Namibian nation in the same fashion.
The event was attended by among others, Khomas Governor, Laura McLeod Katjirua, Ben Amadhila and Professor Kerina. – NAMPA