Prophet Makandiwa's church construction resumes

Construction of the United Family International Church's 30 000-seater auditorium in Chitungwiza is set to resume in a few weeks after being stalled for nearly 18 months because of investigations that were being carried out by regulatory authorities.

The stoppage raised speculation that the building, which is almost halfway complete, could be demolished.

But the church was cleared by Government and the Environmental Management Agency last year to resume work on the mega building set to change the outlook of Chitungwiza.

UFIC leader Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa recently showed church members the clearance certificates and dispelled rumours that building had stopped because the church had run out of money.

Church spokesperson Pastor Prime Kufakunesu said all was set for construction to resume.

"The structure is funded by Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa and his wife Prophetess Dr Ruth Makandiwa alone," he said.

"We could have completed the church by now, but we were waiting for the Environmental Impact Assessment from EMA.

"Soon, construction is expected to resume as EMA has certified us to continue with the project."

The building will have a double storey on some of its wings and will, apart from hosting church services, be used for business meetings, conferences and weddings.

Church architect, Mr Brian Malunga, said the building was halfway towards completion.

"We still need time on the structure because we want to make it one of its kind in Chitungwiza if not in Zimbabwe," he said. "Final touches still need to be done inside and outside the structure."

Speaking to his congregation, Prophet Makandiwa said: "Now we have the official certificate from the environmental committee and the Government which clearly states that we have been authorised to resume our work after their several investigations.

"About 18 months ago we were given instruction or an order by the local authority to stop construction of our church building in Chitungwiza, the main reason being that there was no connection from the ablution block to the sewer line.

"They said because of our huge numbers, we had to be connected to the sewer although we had opted for the use of a septic tank since we had realised that the sewer line was already congested. That is when they stopped us."