MPs Protest Over Fuel Coupons
Members of Parliament on Friday threatened to block Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s mid-term budget in protest over fuel allocations.
On Friday, disgruntled MPs held a meeting with Ncube’s deputy Clemence Chiduwa at the government caucus room in Parliament where they demanded fuel and money for their upkeep.
The meeting came after some MP’s failed to refuel their cars at the Central Mechanical Equipment Department (CMED) because there was no fuel.
Chiduwa reportedly later despatched officials from the ministry to disburse cash to the MPs so that they could return home after Parliament adjourned.
An unnamed ZANU PF MP told The Standard that MPs were left stranded after they couldn’t find fuel at CMED. Said the MP:
We were given CMED coupons, but there is no fuel at CMED and some MPs were now stranded.
Some were given Petrotrade coupons, but some MP’s said there were no Petrotrade garages where they stay.
Other MPs have resorted to selling coupons to board ZUPCO buses when coming to parliament.
Kambuzuma MP Willias Madzimure (CCC) confirmed the meeting on Saturday evening. He said:
I can confirm the meeting, which was held on Friday. It was not only about the welfare of MPs but the welfare of government workers as well.
ZANU PF chief whip Pupurai Togarepi said the meeting was only organised for MPs to be given an update on their fuel coupons. He said:
The fuel issue was resolved, and the new supplier has promised to avail fuel at numerous filling stations throughout the country.
The concern by MPs was the distribution of fuel points offered by the new supplier.
This was clarified and members were satisfied.
Government has always provided enough resources for parliament and I am sure the Parliament administration will ensure hotels are booked in time to avoid confusion.
Last week some legislators were allegedly locked out of hotels in Harare after Parliament failed to pay for their stay.
More: The Standard
