Mudenda Scraps legislators’ Benefits

By  Enia Dube 

As the country grapples with economic challenges, it’s imperative to scrutinize government spending and ensure that taxpayer funds are utilized efficiently. 

On Wednesday, the speaker of Parliament Hon. Jacob Mudenda scraped some fuel benefits for legislators and seating allowance for those who left the house early on Tuesday. Only 49 members were present towards the end of the seating instead of the required 70 to reach a quorum. 

According to Mudenda ,by scrapping excessive MP allowances for the day in question the government seeks to  promote a more accountable, fiscally responsible government that prioritizes the needs of citizens over entitlements. 

Mudenda highlighted the role of MPs in parliament and that it is a waste of tax payers funds not to show up for parliament.He also stated that members swore an oath in parliament to follow the constitution. 

The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) section 129 states that Members of the parliament are to represent the interests of the people of their constituencies ,participate in the making of laws ,exercise oversight over the Executive, approve the national budget and other financial measures, facilitate public participation in the legislative process. 

“Members of Parliament must attend Parliament and its committees regularly,Member of Parliament who is absent from Parliament or a committee without reasonable excuse for more than twenty-one consecutive days may be deemed to have vacated their seat.”states the constitution.

Mudenda added on  to say that from now on anyone who does not seat in the house until adjournment will not get there of their benefits. 

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) only had 6 members present when the house adjourned on Tuesday and ZanuPF had 43 members present. This clearly indicates who has the interests of the people in Parliament.