MPs to start receiving outstanding sitting allowances

MEMBERS of Parliament will start receiving part of their outstanding sitting allowances this week after Treasury released $4 million to cater for their welfare.

The release of the money follows protests in Parliament by some MPs over the outstanding allowances.

Speaking during the 2018 Parliamentary prebudget seminar in Victoria Falls on Friday, Finance and Economic Development Minister, Dr Ignatius Chombo, said MPs would start receiving their money this week.

“After a gentle reminder from the Speaker of Parliament (Advocate Jacob Mudenda), we agreed that all overdue allowances be paid as soon as possible and l think part of that has already been released. Members of Parliament will start receiving the money next week,” the Minister said.

Dr Chombo said they have also made provisions for vehicles for some MPs.

“There are about 12 MPs whose cars overturned and were a write-off, Government has agreed that they be allowed to import a similar car duty free,” he said.

Speaking by telephone yesterday, one of the legislators, Cde Dexter Nduna (Chegutu West), said they had received communication regarding the part payment of their sitting allowances.

“We have been informed that we will be paid part of the outstanding allowances,” he said.

Parliament has announced that the legislators will be paid on a pro rata basis and each of the MPs should expect to get almost half of what is due to them.

With regards to the Constituency Development Fund, Dr Chombo said Treasury had fulfilled its obligation by setting aside the required amount.

“Individual MPs may take note that Treasury has fulfilled its obligation by setting aside the requisite amount and the ball is now in the court of Parliament to establish the necessary disbursement and accounting mechanisms,” he said. “On the CDF we also agreed that we pay half now and half in January.”

On the 2018 national budget which is due for presentation on November 23, Dr Chombo said his Ministry would streamline structures and conditions of service in Government as part of efforts to reduce expenditure.

He said the 2017 budget deficit was expected to increase from $400 million to $1,82 billion mainly financed through Treasury Bills and recourse to overdrafts at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

“As part of strengthening accountability and transparency over public resources, Treasury from the 2018 budget will require that all revenue retention funds are appropriated by Parliament and accounted for through the Public Finance Management system and integrated budget documentation,” Dr Chombo said.