By NOEL IYOMBWA and KALOBWE BWALYA
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has called on the church to counsel politicians to respect the rule of law during and after elections.
Speaking when he laid a foundation stone for the construction of Bible Gospel Church in Africa multi-purpose hall in Lusaka, Mr Lungu said the church has a role to play in ensuring that peace and harmony prevail in the country.
He implored the church to pray for peaceful elections.
The head of state also pledged K1 million and challenged cooperating partners to support the project. This was in addition to a pledge of 1,500 pockets of cement.
President Lungu said Zambia being a Christian nation, the church should pray for love.
“We are all expected to be patriotic citizens and uphold our nation’s motto of one Zambia one nation to enable us co-exist during this period.
“It is no doubt that the church plays a pivotal role in ensuring peace and harmony prevail in the country,” he said.
He further called on political parties to observe Covid prevention guidelines during campaigns.
Mr Lungu observed that since its inception BIGOCA as a church has continued opening branches in other countries, a clear indication that it is responding to God’s desire of building his church.
He said the project will create employment for congregants and people around Balastone area. Mr Lungu noted that his government attaches great importance to infrastructure development as can be seen on the many new infrastructure across the country.
He said his government has firm belief that there can be no meaningful development without creating a strong infrastructure base in the country.
He expressed delight that the church has embarked on the project as it is in line with the Patriotic Front vision of infrastructure development.
Speaking earlier BIGOCA general overseer, Archbishop Peter Ndhlovu said due to President Edgar Lungu’s leadership the country has seen massive infrastructure development.
Bishop Ndhlovu said the construction of the multipurpose hall would cost $5 million dollars.
He said it will create over 300 jobs and that the surrounding communities will also benefit.
Bishop Ndhlovu disclosed that the hall will house a community school and a clinic to meet the health needs of the people.
He said the church has a role to play in supplementing government efforts.
The Archbishop also implored political cadres to desist from engaging in violence.
And Religious Affairs minister Godfriday Sumaili encouraged the church to build beautiful buildings.
She commended the BIGOCA for coming up with the initiative to build the facility.
