LEGISLATORS from across the political divide yesterday said the non-payment of their sitting allowances for the past two years and the ill-treatment they were receiving from security officers at Parliament Building had seriously affected their status in society.
by VENERANDA LANGA
Warren Park MP Elias Mudzuri (MDC-T) was the first to raise the issue with Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda, saying MPs had become charity cases as they have not received their fuel allowances for more than 20 weeks and sitting allowances for more than two years.
“MPs are now failing to conduct their duties, and the reason why some MPs do not turn up in the House is that they are looking for money to survive at home,” Mudzuri said.
Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda
When Mudenda suggested that the issues should be addressed through the welfare committee chaired by the respective party chief whips, the MPs said that route had failed.
Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba (Zanu PF) raised issues with Parliament security officers, accusing them of treating MPs like ordinary citizens.
“At the car park, the police behave as if they are the honourable ones and they treat MPs like nobodies. It diminishes us, and the reasons why MPs are skipping Parliament sessions is because of lack of parking space at Parliament,” Chinotimba said.
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Mudenda promised to investigate the matter.
“Next week, I will meet Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere to task him to meet the contractors so that within 18 months, we should have a new Parliament Building,” Mudenda said.
Mutasa South legislator Irene Zindi (Zanu PF) also raised the issue of harassment by security personnel manning Parliament entry points.
