By Staff Reporter
OPPOSITION Member of Parliament Charlton Hwende has demanded US$150 000 for legislators housing loans arguing the US$40,000 provided in the past is not enough, sparking a flame of outrage among citizents .
The legislator recently pleaded with the government to budget a minimum of US$150,000 for each lawmaker to acquire a home.
He tabled the request during a pre-budget seminar in Bulawayo last week, arguing that the previous loan amount was inadequate, especially when compared to the benefits received by members of the Executive.
He also used the platform to criticise the Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube for failing to hike parliamentary salaries.
Contributing to the debate on the national budget, Hwende directly addressed the issue of legislator welfare. He lamented the government’s failure to provide funds for MPs to build on residential stands they had been allocated. The MP framed his request not as a luxury, but as a necessary provision for those serving the public.
“We received housing loans worth US$40,000 (approx. R720,000), but because of inflation and compared to what those in the Executive received, we also want you to budget a minimum of US$150,000 (approx. R2.7 million) as a loan that will ensure an MP gets a house,” Hwende said.
However , Former legislator Fadzayi Mahere chided Hwende for demanding the loan facility for MPs.
“In my humble view, being an MP should not be viewed as a ‘career’ but as a vocation and opportunity to serve. It’s not the place to seek financial reward or make a living if that’s what you’re after.
“If you want a well-paid job or to make sensible money, then pursue a proper career wholeheartedly. What you’ll find is that if you have a solid career, you’ll make what you earn monthly from being in Parliament in less than an hour,” said Mahere.
Critics have also questioned the timing of Hwende’s remarks, coming as Zanu PF pushes for constitutional amendments to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure, a process that will require parliamentary approval.
In response to the backlash, Hwende defended his comments, insisting that he was merely pointing out an existing precedent.
