LEGISLATORS representing rural constituencies now want a
special allowance on the premise that they spend several days in Harare without
attending to their constituencies, while Harare-based MPs are always able to be
with their constituents.
This was raised on Wednesday by Umzingwane MP Levi
Mayihlome (Zanu PF) in the National Assembly as a matter of privilege to the
Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda.
If this is implemented, it will mostly benefit Zanu PF
legislators who have the majority of constituencies in the rural areas.
Mayihlome’s suggestion did not, however, make any reference
to legislators from far-flung urban constituencies, such as Bulawayo, Mutare,
Victoria Falls, Plumtree and Beitbridge, which have MPs who also have to travel
and spend several days in Harare in order to attend to Parliament business.
He also did not mention how much more he wanted for rural
MPs.
“I rise on a point of privilege on an issue which concerns
rural constituency MPs, who compared to their counterparts, particularly Harare
constituency MPs, have to travel up to 700 kilometres every weekend to their
constituencies,” Mayihlome said.
“Friday and Sunday are travelling days to and from Harare
and so they only have one day per week to attend to their constituency issues
on a daily basis and so it is my humble request that rural MPs be given a
special allowance for this difference between the rural and urban
constituencies,” he said.
Mudenda’s response was that the issue would be referred to
the Parliament Standing Rules and Orders Committee (SROC).
“Yes, that affects the rights and privileges of MPs.
Willias Madzimure (Kambuzuma MP) has been so mesmerised by your point of
privilege, I do not know why. Let that matter be referred to the SROC,” Mudenda
said.
Currently, MPs get sitting allowances of $700 per sitting,
which was increased from the previous $75.
They also get fuel coupons whose value depends on the
distance an MP travels from their constituency to Harare.
During the duration of their sitting, they also get
accommodated at hotels.
While MPs have been very good at demanding a raise to their
salaries, some of them — mostly from the rural constituencies — have been mum
in Parliament, particularly on issues affecting the rural populace. Newsday
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