KEY POINTS
- MPs admit they haven’t even received allowances in nine months.
- Delayed disbursement of Community Development Funds (CDF) to constituency projects.
- Many MPs have to run side businesses because they cannot make ends meet.
Frustrated Members of Parliament (MPs) from across the political spectrum have said they have gone nine months without receiving their allowances, after accusing leadership of failing to address poor welfare conditions.
They say this situation is preventing them from discharging their duties and is compelling some to engage in other income earning activities leading to absenteeism from legislative sessions.
Refusal to attend parliamentary business
Addressing Deputy Speaker Tsitsi Gezi during Thursday’s sitting in the National Assembly, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP Caston Matewu said he was concerned that many MPs were refusing to attend parliamentary business because of the dire financial situation. Matewu said it has been nine months since we got our allowances.
‘Most of us are now doing business to survive and this is what is killing the work of Parliament. The House is half empty because most of us have left to engage in other businesses.’
CDF disbursements: unmet promises
Besides unpaid allowances, MPs were also crying for help over delayed disbursement of constitutionally mandated Community Development Funds (CDF), through their constituencies to enhance projects.
Many areas are struggling with infrastructure issues and the CDF should be helping such areas with matters such as damaged roofs, he lamented the lack of clarity on when the money would be released.
Apologies for that! Here’s the correct version in active voice:
The Nyabani MP also raised concerns about the delayed delivery of fuel allowances and the unmet promises to erect constituency offices, especially in rural areas. According to New Zimbabwe, he urged the government to fulfill these commitments promptly to enable MPs to serve their communities effectively.
MPs say that despite the stipends and vehicles they receive from the government, the failure to distribute regular allowances and CDF has crippled their ability to do their jobs and left many in the lurch financially.
