CITY of Harare ward 16 councillor Denford Ngadziore has been sucked into a dispute pitting residents from Ashdown Park and Bloomingdale against Pastor Benny Hinn’s church crusade set for October 10 this year.
This comes after the Ashdown Park Residents and Ratepayers Association submitted a petition opposing the hosting of the crusade due to environmental, security and health concerns.
In a statement yesterday, Ngadziore said relevant authorities like the police, Harare City Council and Environmental Management Agency (Ema) had endorsed the event.
“While some residents may pursue further actions to stop the event, this is their democratic right as long as it is exercised lawfully.
“I also encourage residents to channel their energy towards addressing drug and substance abuse, theft and related social challenges in our community,” he said.
“Any violation of the permit conditions by the organisers will result in council and government enforcing the law without fear or favour.
“In line with the law, the city granted a three-day temporary permit subject to strict conditions, guided by the Urban Councils Act and other relevant statutes governing public gatherings in undeveloped open spaces.”
Ngadziore said the crusade had also been endorsed by the tourism and hospitality industry under strict compliance conditions.
“As councillor and as a Christian, I find it difficult to block lawful church gatherings.
“My duty is to ensure order, compliance and balance of rights.
“The Constitution guarantees both freedom of worship and freedom of assembly, which must be respected alongside the rights of residents and property owners.”
In response to the concerns raised by the residents, Ngadziore guaranteed special arrangements which are set to cater for the affected residents.
“Additional parking has been secured at Sharks Swimming Pool Football Ground in Mabelreign, in addition to Ashdown Park ZRP Dog Section grounds and the National Sports Stadium.
“Shuttle buses will be provided by the organisers, with details to be announced soon. ZRP Harare district will deploy adequate officers, supported by Harare Municipal Police, private security firms and church ushers.
“Ema has directed that artificial turf be used to suppress dust and prevent land degradation or environmental damage. Special arrangements will be communicated in advance for motorists, particularly nearby residents who use Rosedene Drive daily.”
He said the church had cleared dumpsites, assisted in repairing burst pipes, cleared drainage and committed to replacing the underground water pipe that had long afflicted Bloomingdale residents with frequent water outages.
Ngadziore said he would approach Old Mutual, which is the land owner, to discuss future plans regarding the use of the wetland site for a community multi-purpose centre.
“Beyond its spiritual significance, Pastor Benny Hinn’s visit is expected to boost tourism and create temporary business opportunities in our community.
“Residents are encouraged to explore ways of marketing Ashdown Park and Bloomingdale positively during this period, both as a community and for local business growth,” he said.
The mega healing crusade, which is set to start on October 10, is expected to attract more than 100 000 attendees from across the country and the region at large. – News Day
