Story by Yolanda Moyo

THE church has underscored the need to pray for peace as the country prepares for general elections slated for the 23rd of August.

Various churches converged in Cowdray Park constituency to pray for peace, unity and love as the country heads for general elections set for next month.

The clergy that graced the event noted that sustainable development can only prevail in a peaceful environment.

“There is a need for the church to lead in preaching and praying for peace, unity and love. For Cowdray Park to go forward there is a need for people to be united and for peace to prevail so l call upon the people of Cowdray Park to pray for this, we gathered as different churches this evening to pray for our nation, this is a prayer for peace and unity as we move towards elections in August,” said church leaders.

The event also saw ZANU PF aspiring candidate for the Cowdray Park National Assembly seat Professor Mthuli Ncube being unveiled to congregates gathered for the all-night prayer session.

Professor Ncube, who is also Finance and Economic Development Minister, explained the Second Republic’s mantra of living no one and no place behind as the country journeys towards Vision 2030.

“The second republic is keen on leaving no one and no place behind and in doing so, Cowdray Park will be turned into a smart city. We have various projects being undertaken in the area that seek to develop Cowdray Park. The issue that we are addressing now is the lack of sewer reticulation system and we are working with relevant authorities to put proper systems in the area,” he said.

Cowdray Park is the biggest constituency in Bulawayo, with over 24 000 registered voters and a population of more than 75 000 residents.