Bushbuckridge Launches Rural Address System

The Bushbuckridge Municipality has officially launched a project to introduce house numbers and street names in rural areas, addressing the long-standing challenge of unmarked homes and roads. As one of the largest municipalities, many rural areas in Bushbuckridge lack proper addresses, which has hindered services like couriers and emergency response.

The municipality has partnered with qualified experts to map and name streets, aiming to modernize rural areas and improve accessibility. This initiative will also assist in tracking unemployment rates in the region. During the registration process, homeowners must be present with their identity documents to verify ownership and sign the necessary forms.

Traditional leaders, who participated in the launch, expressed gratitude to the municipality for creating opportunities for local youth. They highlighted the importance of job creation while raising concerns about the safety of GIS data collectors, who will be using scanners for the project. Police have been alerted to ensure the safety of workers.

The speaker at the event encouraged data collectors to stay motivated, work diligently, and stay hydrated as they navigate the hot weather. The executive mayor emphasized that the primary goal is to modernize Bushbuckridge, dispelling the perception that it is just a “bush.” The long-term vision is to transform the municipality into a “metro-rural” area.

The project will also bring broader benefits, such as tracking unregistered businesses and providing opportunities for youth through the newly established Youth Affairs Database, which recognizes youth-owned companies. Additionally, the address system will make it easier for emergency services, such as ambulances, police, and firefighters, to locate people in need.

The mayor congratulated the selected data collectors for securing their positions among many applicants. Following the launch, participants demonstrated the house-numbering process to prepare data collectors for their tasks. The project is expected to be completed by 30 April.

Youth interested in applying for the program are encouraged to check updates on the Bushbuckridge Municipality’s Facebook page.