Parliament gets ZW$7.2b from budget

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has proposed to give Parliament of Zimbabwe about ZW$7.2 billion to enable it to execute its oversight duties.

Parliament has been complaining that it was not getting enough resources a development which forced it to limit public consultations on bills and budget formulation.

This is despite the fact that the constitution requires that citizens be engaged in matters that affect them or in how resources are used.

Budgetary constraints also meant legislators could not have offices in their constituencies for easy interaction with the electorate.

In the 2020 budget, Parliament that it had only received 50% of its allocation from treasury as at 20 November.

Speaking in the National Assembly, during the 2021 National Budget presentation, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said there was a need to strengthen the capacity of Parliament.

“Parliament, audit office and commissions are some of the key institutions with oversight role on utilisation of public resources, among other functions.

“Therefore, the 2021 national budget makes appropriate allocations to these entities to ensure their smooth operations.

“Parliament, on its part has been allocated ZW$7.2 billion,” he said.

Part of the Parliament allocation is going to meet the welfare issues of legislators such as salary and sitting allowance increase, vehicle purchases among other lavish demands made a few weeks ago.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube revealed to Parliament a few weeks ago that he was going to review their perks generously.

Legislators have been complaining that that they want to be at par with the executive in terms of remuneration.

Currently, legislators were getting about ZW$18 000 in monthly salaries plus ZW$700 for each day they sit on Parliament business as sitting allowances.

Apart from the financial remuneration, legislators also get fuel coupons, sleep in hotels during Parliament sessions, get vehicle loan scheme, get diplomatic passports, received Samsung Tablets among other things.

Norton legislator Temba Mliswa two weeks ago told Parliament that their perks are now counting for nothing due to inflationary effects.