Govt owing hotels six months bill for accommodation, says Mudenda
Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has clarified the reason behind the accommodation crisis being faced by legislators.
Legislators have been struggling to get accommodation for Parliament business which has seen some being booked in brothels and other sub-standard lodges in Harare.
However, Mudenda has attributed the issue to the failure of the government to service its hotel bills stretching to over six months.
Speaking in the National Assembly, he said he will ensure the issue is resolved when Parliament meets with Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.
‘’So as a way forward, we will ensure that by tomorrow when the Minister is within the country, we iron out some of these issues which not only affect Parliament but have affected all the government ministries because they owe the hotels.
‘’Some hotels have been owed from six to nine months. Are you listening Honourable Mliswa? They have been owed for a long time and what they are owed now has been eaten up by inflation.
‘’These are the concerns also from the hotels. They also want value for money. So, these are the issues, and we will sort it out. Any challenges are there to be sorted out and get solutions accordingly and I am sure we should be able to find lasting solutions to that effect.
‘’So, your point of order Honourable Mliswa, is understood in that context,’’ he said.
Legislators from out of Harare are provided hotel accommodation when Parliament is sitting.
The accommodation crises according to Norton legislator Temba Mliswa caused Parliament to shift the dates for the 2023 pre-budget seminar.
Govt owing hotels six months bill for accommodation, says Mudenda
