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Drama as MPs revolt over allowances

News
There was drama in Parliament as MPs from across the political divide yesterday quizzed Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara over the decision by principals in the inclusive government to block payment of their outstanding allowances. Kudakwashe Bhasikiti (Zanu PF), the chairman of a welfare committee for MPs, told Mutambara to ask President Robert Mugabe and […]

There was drama in Parliament as MPs from across the political divide yesterday quizzed Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara over the decision by principals in the inclusive government to block payment of their outstanding allowances.

Kudakwashe Bhasikiti (Zanu PF), the chairman of a welfare committee for MPs, told Mutambara to ask President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to address the House of Assembly on the poor remuneration of MPs.

“Is it that government is now practising unfair labour practices in relation to not backdating MPs’ sitting allowances?” asked MDC-T Makoni West MP Webber Chinyadza, amid cheers from the floor.

Last month, the unity government principals rejected calls by MPs and senators to be paid allowances dating back to 2009.

The MPs would now be paid allowances beginning this month.Mutambara promised MPs that the principals would discuss the matter, but the legislators, who earlier in the afternoon had held a joint caucus , could not take the explanation.