Fuming MPs Demand Stands: We paid for Servicing in 2013, but nothing has been allocated!
Legislators in Zimbabwe have expressed frustration over the delay in receiving residential stands promised to them as part of their parliamentary benefits from 2013.
The residential stands are allegedly part of their Parliamentary packages, including tablets, fuel coupons, vehicle loan schemes, duty-free certificates, sitting allowances, and monthly salaries.
However, despite paying for the servicing of the residential stands in 2013 which is the 8th Parliament, the stands are yet to be availed in 2024 (the 10th Parliament).
Zanu PF Chief Whip, Pupurai Togarepi, raised the issue in the National Assembly, pleading with Speaker Jacob Mudenda to intervene.
He highlighted that despite numerous meetings and discussions, the stands have not been allocated, even to members of the subsequent parliaments
‘’Mr. Speaker Sir. While I appreciate and agree with what you have given us as advice, we are talking of 2013, this is eleven years to date, and we have heard, I think so many meetings.
‘’I have sat down with the Clerks so many times. We have raised this thing; this is the Eighth Parliament; the Ninth Parliament received a stand even in this Tenth Parliament, we are supposed to receive because it is part of our benefits.
‘’So I think it is a matter that needs the Honourable Speaker to escalate it not for us to sit down with the people from the Local Government, they will not even listen to us,’’ he said.
Responding to Togarepi’s plea, Speaker Mudenda acknowledged the issue and promised to take action within the week. “I hear your plea,” he stated. “Let us see things happening next week.”
The Zimbabwean Parliament consists of the National Assembly with 280 members and the Senate with 80 members. The National Assembly includes 210 directly elected representatives, 60 women elected through proportional representation, and 10 youth representatives.
The Senate comprises 60 representatives from each province, 18 chiefs, and two representatives for people with disabilities.
Fuming MPs Demand Stands: We paid for Servicing in 2013, but nothing has been allocated!
