Numerous Churches including the UFIC led by Makandiwa and Eagle Life led by Chiza to be evicted from Bulawayo’s industrial areas by council

 
A DOZEN of churches including the United Family International Church led by Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa and Eagle Life led by Prophet Dr Blessing Chiza that have found sanctuary in Bulawayo’s industrial areas will soon be moved out to pave way for investors interested in the manufacturing sector.

A number of popular and growing churches had invaded the city’s industrial areas, taking advantage of closed companies to set bases in warehouses and factories. The warehouses are said to be cheap in rentals compared to buildings in the city centre and can also accommodate large numbers of congregants. Dr Chiza’s Eagle Life hosts thousands of congregants at an industrial building near Ross Camp.

Another popular church that has also found home in the industries is United Family International Church along Josiah Chinamano Road and 15th Avenue in Belmont which took over one of the biggest textile companies, Textile Mills. Nearby is the River of Life Church led by the charismatic Bulawayo Prophet Bothwell Phiri which took over the premises which were once used by Teak Africa Timber. River of Life also has another premise at the Kelvin industrial area.

Other churches that are running from the city’s industrial areas include Revelation Church of God at Kelvin industrial area which took over the premises of a wholesaler, Goveya Enterprises and Enlightened Christian Gathering Church (ECG).

In an interview, Bulawayo Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube, said the lease agreements that exist between property owners in the industrial areas and the council state that when need arises the premises must be made available for industrial purposes.

“There are quite a number of properties that were leased to churches. There is a clause in the lease agreement that specifies that these industrial firms must be made available when such a situation comes up. This is another option that the council has to counter the demand of industrial stands instead of servicing new ones,” said Mr Dube.  Roberta Katunga, source-sundaynews