Rwanda: Authorities Close Down Multimillion City Church

By Michel Nkurunziza

Nyarugenge District authorities have closed down a church because it was constructed without authorisation.

According to the district authorities, Bethlehem Miracle Church located in Nyamirambo Sector, was built without a construction permit.

The church is also accused of noise pollution.

Speaking to The New Times, Solange Mukasonga, the Mayor of Nyarugenge District, said the multi-million complex was illegally constructed and could not be allowed to operate.

According to the church leaders, the structure is worth Rwf230 million.

"We have suspended the activities of the church because construction rules were breached," she said, wondering why the church was constructed up to completion without proper documents.

The church was also ordered to pay a fine of Rwf10 million, according to the mayor.

However, the church leaders say they received the green light to build from both the district and sector leaders.

Bethlehem Church was launched in 2009 and work s on the place of worship began in 2012, according to Jean Marie Murekezi, the treasurer of the church.

Read more from the original source:
Rwanda: Authorities Close Down Multimillion City Church