In an unusual show of cross-party solidarity, Members of Parliament (MPs) in Zimbabwe have expressed their dissatisfaction over delayed payments of allowances, claiming this has seriously affected their ability to carry out their parliamentary duties effectively.

During the session held in the Turkish Grand National Assembly on Thursday, MPs expressed their complaints and emphasized that they had not received their allowances for the last nine months. While this raises concerns about participation in legislative sessions, some lawmakers say financial pressures are forcing them to look for alternative sources of income.

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP Caston Matewu took the matter directly to the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Tsitsi Gezi, and said: “I would like to emphasize Mr Speaker that it has been nine months since we received our allowances. I am not sure about you but MPs in this House have spent nine months “They lived without any allowance throughout.” He noted that the vacant seats in parliament are a reflection of growing frustration among lawmakers who are forced to focus on personal business ventures to support their families.

Matewu implored the Deputy Speaker to intervene and urge relevant authorities to expedite the release of funds, stressing that lack of financial support undermines legislative responsibilities. “I don’t think we would even go to Bulawayo without our pocket money,” he added, referring to upcoming parliamentary proceedings.

MPs in Zimbabwe are entitled to receive salaries and vehicles to assist them in their duties in their constituencies. They also receive Community Development Funds (CDF) towards local development projects. However, many legislators have complained about delays in the allocation and distribution of these essential funds.

Zanu-PF Rushinga MP Tendai Nyabani also expressed disappointment over the CDF that has not been paid despite government promises. “I have heard that $50,000 has been used; I don’t know if my colleagues have taken the $50,000 or not because it has been a long time since this was highlighted and raised,” Nyabani said. he said. He also lamented that distribution was not done in a timely manner, especially considering urgent community needs such as repairing roofs damaged by recent storms.

Nyabani stressed that MPs should not have to beg for their rights and called on the government to fulfill its commitments regarding allowances and the CDF. “As MPs we should not beg; if something is to be given to us then it must come at the right time,” he insisted.

The concerns expressed by these MPs reflect a broader problem in Zimbabwe’s political environment, where financial instability and inadequate support hinder the effectiveness of elected representatives. As Parliament grapples with these challenges, unity among legislators from different political parties underscores the urgent need for the government to address these pressing fiscal concerns and fulfill its obligations to its representatives.