Sinokubonga Nkala
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
IN a significant development for Bulawayo, Harvest House International (HHI) has completed the construction of an impressive 10 500-seat auditorium.
The monumental structure boasts unique features and sleek, modern designs that seamlessly blend with its surroundings.
The facility is set to be officially inaugurated by President Mnangagwa today and is the vision of HHI founder, Dr Collin Nyathi.
Construction work for the massive structure began in October 2018, and took six years to complete.
HHI spokesperson Reverend Mhla Ndlovu described the ambitious project as an exhibition of the power of God at work and how dedication, hard work and faith to the Almighty can bring anything to completion.
“We are thrilled to announce the completion of Harvest House International Conference Centre, a landmark 10 500-seater auditorium that sets a new standard for Southern Africa as the largest church auditorium to date located at Selbourne Brook in Bulawayo.
“Through a prophetic word given to our Bishop and founder of Harvest House International Churches Bishop Dr Collin Nyathi more than 20 years ago, we embarked on a faith journey in October 2018 to build God a house. After six years, the building now stands as a colossal structure with its unique features,” said Rev Ndlovu.
He said the state-of-the-art facility is designed to inspire mass evangelism, revival worship, foster connection, and serve as a hub for outreach and service in the community of Bulawayo and the nation at large.
The facility houses among other things five seminar halls, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a food court and a fine-dining restaurant.
The facility also has a medical centre that includes a pharmacy, a dental surgery, general doctor, blood laboratory and physiotherapist. There are also clothing and music outlets including recording studios.
Rev Ndlovu said the journey to build could be described as both sweet and sour.
“The sour part includes the plethora of challenges we faced, having been so many and some of them back breaking but in every step of the way God has been faithful and for this we give Him all the glory.
“Of course, the sweeter part is what we are now seeing, which indeed one can only but acknowledge that it is the doing of the Lord and it is marvellous in our sight. Little did we know that the first steps of clearing the bushy area by the grader six years ago would transform a place to what it was and result in this magnificent structure after only a few years,” said Rev Ndlovu.
He said they are very grateful to the chief engineer, the visionary Bishop Dr Nyathi who through his guidance, strategies and sheer determination pushed them through all seasons, rain or sunshine when they trudged on.
Sunday News yesterday visited the facility that has very unique features.
The dome at the top of the front of the building, the pergola spider web at the entrance and the front facade flush glazing facing Fazak Shopping Centre, the face of the structure makes the building smooth and a modern design which seamlessly integrates with its surroundings.
The posh sit-down restaurant facility situated by the carpark side as well as the aesthetic ingenuity showcased can never be ignored.
To cap the beautiful landscaping around the building, a fountain water feature at the front of the auditorium has been constructed.
Rev Ndlovu said it is amazing and a great testimony that most of the works were done during the most difficult period in the world over, 2019 when the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across nations.
“While many people went into hiding as the pandemic sent shockwaves on the globe, through the Bishop’s wisdom we asked permission from the Government to continue with our project when we were just five months into it.
“It was during that period that we managed to lay and complete the foundation of the building. We also poured concrete on the beams and erected the columns. With the completion of the foundation, we then embarked on the brickworks,” said Rev Ndlovu.
He said they employed 24-hour shifts for the works to move at a breathtaking speed and managed to finish the critical superstructure works which included the concrete decks and most of the walls.
“We also managed to put up two guard houses in the front and back of the building that is the administration block side. Furthermore, we embarked on fittings around the building. We engaged two large companies that worked on the installation of the aluminium frames and glazing of the structure.
“The auditorium has large double-glazed sound proof doors and windows. All the glazing of the seminar halls, the restaurant area, gym and the administration blocks that is Block A and B,” said Rev Ndlovu.
He said the building’s design and functionality have exceeded their expectations and they stand proud to have played a role in shaping the urban landscape and look forward to continuing to push the boundaries in church building.
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