ZITF
Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
MPs are demanding accommodation allowances to attend the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) that is set to be held in Bulawayo later this month.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mabel Chinomona told lawmakers that Parliament was providing fuel coupons for those who wanted to attend the ZITF.
Buhera South MP Cde Joseph Chinotimba ignited the accommodation allowances demands saying if MPs are given fuel allowances they be provided with accommodation allowances as well. “That’s for fuel coupons. What about our accommodation as parliamentarians?” asked Cde Chinotimba.
MDC-T Warren Park MP Elias Mudzuri said it was their right to be provided accommodation as MPs.
“My point of order is in terms of Parliamentary Privileges that this Parliament is invited to attend the Presidential Address at Trade Fair.
Hence the preparations for accommodation and transport. Your announcement must be clear in this Parliament so that there’s no confusion,” said Mudzuri.
“In the last Parliament, we were told to go and register and I went and registered twice on two trade fairs but I never got a coupon.
So, I’m saying, we want it to be clear on logistics so that you don’t go there with your wife and sleep in the dump.”
Cde Chinomona tried to calm down the MPs saying she was merely making an administrative announcement but the MPs would have none of it. MDC-T Binga North MP Prince Dubeko Sibanda said the Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, was supposed to address them on the matter.