Bontas Housing Project Makes Its New Street Names Official

Bonteheuwel is changing, and whether you love it, hate it, or just don’t care, there’s no stopping the new housing project from completing. 

With 273 modern homes in the works, the Bonteheuwel Infill housing project is set to be completed by the end of 2025. Some people have been waiting decades for a home, and for them, this is a long-overdue moment. 

Along with the houses comes something every new development needs—street names. And now, Bonteheuwel’s map is getting a fresh update.

 

Bonteheuwel, Meet Your New Streets

 
Now, onto the new names, which have been officially approved and announced by Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie

Behind the mosque, where the development connects to Bauhinia Street, there’s now Justicia Street, a 10-metre road leading into Juneberry Street (10m), Juncus Street (8m), Javelin Road (8m), and Jamesia Street (10m). Juneberry and Juncus will be linked by Jonquil Street, another 8-metre road.

In the section running along Kersboom, Camelia, and Ivory Streets, there’s just one new road—Kentia Street, measuring 8 metres wide.

Near Bramble Way, five new streets have been added: Brisbane Street (10m), Bouvardia Street (8m), Bergenia Street (10m), Blackbird Street (10m), and Bellflower Street (8m).

 

 

A Community at Odds With A Housing Project

 

Some residents have been vocal about losing open spaces, especially the much-loved Jasmine Street field. Known as the Sunday League Field, it’s where people play soccer and walk their dogs. Kids run around there after school, and on any given day, there’s someone kicking a ball or getting some exercise. Now, it’s set to make way for houses.

Another concern is flooding. That field is known to turn into a swamp in winter, no matter how much sand gets thrown on it. Some locals believe it’s not the best place to build, but the city says everything has been approved.

Councillor McKenzie has assured residents that new recreational spaces are part of the plan, so they’re making up for what’s being lost.

 

 

A Missed Opportunity?

 
With all these new streets being named, some people were hoping to see local heroes recognised. Names like Ashley Kriel or the late Dr. Adams would have been a fitting tribute to the people who shaped Bonteheuwel. But instead, the city has kept the tradition of plant-themed names, a pattern that dates back to Apartheid-era planning.

Bonteheuwel itself was named after a colourful field, and for decades, its street names have followed a botanical theme. Whether this was done to keep “the character of the area” or simply to avoid debates over who should be honoured, the decision has been made. The streets have names, the maps will be updated, and soon enough, these roads will be part of daily life.

The focus now shifts to the people who will soon be moving in—families finally getting their turn after decades of waiting. Street names aside, for them, this is the start of something new.

What’s your feelings about the new street names?

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