A peak into the lifestyle Zimbabwe Parliamentarians want

So, when are we going to have integrity and dignity left for the Members of Parliament?  Members of Parliament, because their welfare is not enough end up selling fuel coupons.  We are known for selling fuel coupons.  Whenever it is a Thursday, all the service stations know that Members of Parliament are coming to sell fuel coupons because of the welfare that we have.  It is a situation which is unattainable and a situation which cannot be allowed to happen.  The role of Parliamentarians cannot be underestimated.

THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Hon. Member, you are reminded of your time.

HON. T. MLISWA: Ok, I am going to summarise now. I talk about the allowances that we get when we leave this country.  The allowances that we get are US$50 leaving Zimbabwe.  It is not enough.  The foreign currency that we get is not enough at all and it has to be looked into and the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development must be able to also increase that allowance we get when we leave the country.  Parliament must be able to give us a credit card which you use and you account for it because when I do not have my money, it is parliamentary work that I am doing.  There must be a credit card which is given to Members of Parliament when they travel and what they must do is to account for it when they come back, not a situation where the money that we get is not enough even for you want to buy meals when you leave the country.  It does not represent the country well.

Lastly Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament cannot be divided.  They are all entitled to diplomatic passports and it is important that that money also goes towards Members of Parliament being given diplomatic passports.  We cannot be divided. If I have a diplomatic passport and when I am travelling with my team, they do not have a diplomatic passport, they use the other route.  How can we be divided over a mere issue that just needs capital injection?  So, may I propose again that the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development ensures that Members of Parliament are all issued with diplomatic passports so that we are the same and no different.  Thank you.

*HON. KWARAMBA:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  I rise to make my contribution on the welfare of Members of Parliament regarding the cars which are allocated to us.  Being a Member of Parliament is a very tough task, especially for Members of Parliament who come from rural constituencies.  The car which is given to the MP is a service vehicle which is used in the constituency.  Even when there is a funeral, that car is used at that funeral and yet servicing the car is a very expensive exercise.  At times we are not able to service that car because of the expenses involved and using your salary, it is not enough.

You will notice that because of the situation you are forced to use commuter omnibuses to conduct your business and we are now using public transport.  We are saying, may you please expedite the process of allocating us vehicles for moving around because as stated before, the car given to the MP is a service vehicle.  It is a universal car for the constituency.  Whatever assignment has to be done in the constituency, the electorate expect that car to carry out those duties.  I am pleading with you to increase allowances for better cars so that the MP can maintain the integrity and status expected of him.   I thank you.

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