Methodist Church should help develop Epworth — Mhetu

ANESU MASAMVU

MDC Alliance candidate for the Epworth National Assembly constituency seat, Zivai Mhetu says one of his strategies if voted into office during the March 26 by election is to negotiate with the Methodist Church to assist in the development of the area on the basis that they used to own the land.

Epworth settlement started in the late 19th century during the time when Methodist missionaries arrived in Zimbabwe.

The Methodist Church acquired three farms in the area namely Epworth, Glenwood and Adelaide.They have been court battles on who is the rightful owner of the Epworth land between the Methodist Church and Epworth Residents Development Association.

However, Mhete a former ZINASU member said he has it on his agenda to approach the church leadership so that they assist the area that is currently underdeveloped characterised by poverty, commercial sex work, early child marriages, poor water and sanitation, crime amongst many other challenges.

“Do you know that, Epworth is a name of a place in England, the area became very popular because this is the birthplace of Methodist Church leader and cleric, John Wesley. Wouldn’t it be ideal for us to negotiate with the current church leadership to help develop the Epworth constituency,” Mhetu told Business Times.

“Did you know that Epworth was a farm which was owned by the Methodist Church and to prove that they are sincere, they shared the land with the likes of Chizungu and Chinyengere.

“I am of the idea that we go and knock on their door and plead with them so that they help the Epworth electorate with development, I doubt that they will refuse.”

The Epworth constituency seat fell vacant when former MP, Earthrage Kureva of then MDC Alliance was recalled from Parliament. Kureva is now contesting the seat under the Citizens Coalition for Change ticket.

Other candidates are former MP and Zanu PF’s candidate Zalerah Makari and MDC Alliance’s Zivanai Mhetu.