Mugabe road names removed

SAPA – Dec 17 – Authorities in the Zimbabwean capital Harare have ordered the ruling party to take down new road signs honouring President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace, the mayor said on Wednesday.

Bernard Manyenyeni, who is a member of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, said in an interview: "I've written to the party. I don't think they have complied yet. They only received the letter yesterday."

Several new signs — including ones marking "Dr Grace Mugabe Way" and "Robert Mugabe Square" — were erected early this month on an open piece of land used for a Zanu-PF party congress in the centre of Harare.

The signs had not been approved by the city council, which is in the hands of the opposition.

Manyenyeni told Sapa: "I'll not pre-judge their actions, or lack of them.

"It's like balloons at a wedding and they should be removed immediately after the event," the mayor told the private Newsday in a separate interview.