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.
