CHENGETAI ZVAUYA
Government is struggling to pay outstanding allowances to former members of Parliament due to financial constraints, it has been established.
Treasury owes the lawmakers almost US$30 000 each in terms of allowances accrued in the 2013-2018 parliament.
The term of the 8th Parliamentarians ended in July last year when the country held harmonised to elect new members of Parliament from 2018-2023.
Gift Chimanikire former MP for Southerton constituency for MDC-T confirmed they were yet to receive some of their outstanding sitting allowances.
“We are still owed considerable sums for the past parliament. I am also entitled to pension as I served three terms in parliament. I am receiving the pension but there is an allowance which is still outstanding,” said Chimanikire.
John Holder former Zanu PF MP for Zvishavane also said he was owed Parliament in terms of his outstanding allowances that were yet to be cleared.
“I moved a motion last year in June before the end of the 8th Session demanding that the money be paid but we are still owed the money as former MPs” said Holder.
“I submitted an invoice of the money I am owed by Parliament since 2013 and it amounts to almost US$ 40 000 in terms of gratuity, sitting allowance, accommodation and fuel allowances for five years. I was not paid that money together with some of my colleagues.”
Deputy minister of Public Service labour and Social Welfare Lovemore Matuke however said the payment of outstanding balances for members of parliament was one of the most important matters that had been attended to by the new dispensation.
“But considering that the balance is over five years, Government is currently lagging behind in terms of payments.”
Speaker of Parliament of Jacob Mudenda confirmed receiving some complaints from former parliamentarians.
“I understand that some of the former MPs are complaining about their outstanding balances and I am going to investigate the matter with the Clerk of Parliament,” said Mudenda.
The non -payment of outstanding allowances follows complains by members of the current parliament who have described their working conditions as poor compared to other legislators in the region.
Legislators earn ZWL$2 000per month.
