Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Leader of the Johanne the Fifth of Africa Church, Archbishop Andby Makururu, has criticized local authorities for frustrating efforts to acquire land to build churches.
In an interview with NewsDay Live on Thursday, Makururu said bureaucracy and corruption were hindering their progress and called on the government to closely monitor local councils.
He said the actions—and inaction—of some councils were damaging the image of the Zanu PF-led government.
“The government has given us the green light to acquire land for our churches, but we are facing serious challenges because of the councils,” said Makururu.
“We are being frustrated by local authorities in our efforts to secure land. It’s difficult to work with these councils. They need to be investigated.”
He added: “Our government needs to monitor these councils because they are tarnishing its image. These councils are dangerous.”
The church leader warned that the roadblocks created by councils posed a threat to the stability of the government.
Makururu also urged the government to prioritize land allocation to churches that are accountable, transparent, and patriotic.
“We are not saying the government should give land to every church in the country, but there are churches that are transparent, accountable, patriotic, and open to government oversight. These are the churches that should be rewarded first,” he said.
Makururu further alleged that councils were working with land barons, frustrating both residents and church leaders who are seeking land.
His remarks come after the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works partnered with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to form a taskforce aimed at investigating corruption and maladministration in councils.
The Harare City Council has been at the center of land-related corruption, though many other councils have also been accused of impeding access to land.
ZACC has already indicated that several arrests are expected in Harare in connection with illegal land dealings.
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