Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Residents of Ashdown Park in Harare are clashing with Heartfelt International Ministries over plans to host a three-day crusade in the residential neighbourhood.
The Benny Hinn healing crusade, scheduled to begin on 10 October, has sparked opposition from locals who cite security concerns and the expected closure of roads during the event.
Ashdown Park Residents and Ratepayers Association (APRRA) chairperson Muriel Shingai Mangwende told NewsDay that the church did not seek permission to hold the crusade, which is expected to draw at least 100,000 attendees from across Zimbabwe and the region. Said Mangwende:
“Residents are not happy about being left out by the church [programme] from the initial stages of this event before the church even decided on a crusade in their area.
“They feel the church is trying to use them to sanitise what it had already started.
“Or in other words being called in when the horse has already bolted. Residents feel consultations should have been done earlier and their input taken on board.
“The residents are also not happy about Rosedene Drive being closed as most Bloomingdale residents use this road to access their homes.
“Harare Drive is also a very busy road since it is a highway as well, but residents feel if the crusade is held, it will be forced to close as most of those attending will also use Harare Drive.
“So it is difficult to differentiate passersby, residents of Ashdown Park from those attending the crusade.”
Mangwende said complaints lodged with the relevant authorities, including Harare City Council, have so far yielded no results, as HIM continues preparations for the crusade.
He added that residents are also concerned about noise and dust from the large crowds expected to attend.
Reports indicate that HIM was unable to secure a suitable venue in Harare, with the National Sports Stadium undergoing renovations, leading the church to choose Ashdown Park for the event.
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