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Cool Lifestyle Writer
Councillors in Epworth have bemoaned the rise of child marriages in high density suburbs and have called for action from different stakeholders to curb the menace. Since the beginning of the year child marriages in Zimbabwe were prevalent in Manicaland, Mashonaland East and Central provinces. In urban areas, most non-governmental organisations have flocked to Epworth were they believe the issues of child marriages are still topical.
In an interview on the sidelines of the belated celebration of the Day of the African Child in Epworth, Ward 2 Councillor Japhet Chiromo told Cool Lifestyle that ending child marriages is everyone’s responsibility and NGOs should rather focus on educating parents rather than finding ways of making money out of Epworth.
He said there should be a consolidated approach to curb child marriages especially in high density areas as some of them were a result of poverty and lack of education.
“We have noted that the practice of child marriages is prevalent in high density areas as well as in some religious sects such as Vapostori among others.
“We appreciate the work being done by NGOs in the Epworth community but some of them are coming with a hidden agenda of making money out of the situation in Epworth,” said the councillor.
“What is worrying is that as a country we have a Constitution that protects children against child marriages, but what is lacking is enforcement. However, education should also be pointed towards parents because at the end of the day they are the ones forcing children into these marriages.”
He said focus should also be on educating religious leaders and cults to ensure they understood the regulatory framework regarding child marriages.
He said the Zimbabwe Republic Police should also be fully engaged in the investigation of cases involving child marriages.
Councillor Eva Chaneta also said child marriages are a national disaster that should be averted immediately.
Online Reporter