Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister Ncube Lavishes MPs with Funds, Vehicles Amid Drought

In the midst of a drought year, Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has caved to parliamentary pressure, enhancing MPs’ perks.

Ncube’s initial budget allocation for Parliament was ZiG1.7 billion, but he added ZiG1 billion after MPs pushed back.

This fiscal year, Ncube has doubled the Constituency Development Fund, setting each of the 210 constituencies up with US$100,000.

Parliamentarians demanded more vehicles, staff allowances, residential stands, and increased fuel and foreign travel stipends.

To meet these demands, Ncube proposed an additional US$120 million for staff salaries and ZiG250 million for MPs’ new cars.

He also allocated ZiG378 million for clearing CDF arrears, ensuring funds for past-due constituency development projects.

MPs will enjoy enhanced fuel allowances, with Ncube adding ZiG72 million specifically for this purpose.

Domestic and foreign allowances have been augmented by ZiG50 million, catering to the lawmakers’ international engagements.

Ncube emphasized that the additional funding was sourced from “back pocket funds” to address parliamentary demands.

The allocation for lawmakers’ offices and tools of trade has been increased by ZiG50 million.

An additional ZiG200 million was proposed as a ‘back pocket’ for Parliament, showcasing a significant financial maneuver.

Moreover, ZiG50 million was set aside for constituency offices, supporting MPs in their legislative duties.

The purchase of buses for parliamentary staff was also on Ncube’s list, enhancing mobility for legislative support.

The issue of residential stands for parliamentary staff remains under review by the Ministry of Local Government.

MPs’ committee chairs will now have more vehicles at their disposal, thanks to Ncube’s adjustments.

Ncube’s budget adjustments reflect a strategic response to maintain parliamentary support and functionality.

The financial commitments made to MPs stand in stark contrast to the drought-stricken conditions affecting many citizens.

This year’s budget maneuvers highlight the tension between legislative demands and national fiscal responsibility.

The lavish funding for MPs might be seen by some as a necessary evil to keep the government machinery running smoothly.

However, the public might question the priority of such expenditures during times of national hardship.

As Zimbabwe navigates through this drought, the decisions made by Ncube will undoubtedly be under the microscope.

The increase in CDF reflects an attempt to foster development at the grassroots level despite economic challenges.

Yet, the focus on MPs’ welfare could overshadow the urgent needs of the broader population facing drought-induced crises.

The additional funding for vehicles and allowances might be viewed as a reward for political loyalty over public service.

As the country struggles with water scarcity and agricultural failure, this budget could be a point of contention.

Ncube’s ‘back pocket’ approach to funding suggests a resourceful, albeit controversial, method of budget management.

The allocation of resources to Parliament in such times raises questions about equitable distribution of national wealth.

While MPs enjoy new stands and vehicles, many Zimbabweans are grappling with the basic necessities of life.

This scenario paints a complex picture of governance, where political appeasement meets economic austerity.

The decisions made now will echo in the halls of Parliament and the streets of Zimbabwe for years to come.