Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | A fresh political storm is brewing after Kuwadzana legislator Chalton Hwende boldly demanded that every Member of Parliament should be allocated not less than US$150 000 in housing loans.
Hwende made the explosive remarks at the pre-budget seminar currently underway in Bulawayo — turning what was supposed to be a sober fiscal discussion into one of the most heated talking points in the room.
The opposition MP claimed that government failed to honour earlier promises to adequately fund lawmakers who were allocated residential stands for personal housing. He argued that the previous US$40 000 package was already eroded by inflation — and that it was unfair when compared to perks allegedly enjoyed by high-ranking officials in the Executive.
Hwende insisted lawmakers need a minimum of US$150k each — just to be able to put a decent roof over their heads.
He also took a direct swipe at Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, accusing Treasury of deliberately neglecting Parliamentarians while continuously showering Cabinet members with platinum-tier benefits.
This is not the first time Parliament perks have sparked outrage. The previous Parliament’s US$40 000 loan scheme triggered public anger, civil society condemnation and left taxpayers questioning who exactly government serves.
Now — another proposed upgrade… almost four times the controversial figure.
If these demands ever make it into the National Budget — the debate will be brutal.
Zimbabweans already choking under economic pressure will want to know:
Are MPs fighting for national reforms or private mortgages?
And if MPs can boldly request a six-figure incentive…what message does that send to nurses, teachers, pensioners and everyone scraping to survive on collapsing wages?
ZiMetro News will continue tracking reactions and political fallout — because this US$150k bombshell has just begun exploding.