Chinotimba Complains Of Price Hikes As Coca Cola Costs $4 At Parliament

Buhera South legislator Joseph Chinotimba expressed outrage over the price of food at Parliament, citing in particular the cost of a bottle of Coca Cola and a plate of sadza.

Chinotimba said it is unacceptable that legislators were being forced to pay $4 for the fizzy drink at the Parliament canteen. Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda reminded Chinotimba to go through proper channels in raising his grievances. Mudenda also reprimanded other legislators for applauding Chinotimba and challenged them to read the Standing Rules and Orders. Said Chinotimba:

On a point of privilege according to Section 68. The price of goods is increasing and I have noticed that the origins of all these price hikes is emanating from Parliament. Parliament is selling the soft drink coca cola for a $1 and yet Delta did not increase anything. In the hotels also where Members of Parliament are staying, those same coca cola drinks are being sold at $4 yet again Delta did not increase the price of its products. I lay the blame squarely on the administration of Parliament especially those who are in the administration of welfare of Parliamentarians. As Members of Parliament, we talk to the public and they are complaining of price hikes of these food stuffs. Again, here at our Members’ Dining we are buying sadza for $3 and coca cola for $4. As Parliament, we are the perpetrators of the increase of these prices. I am begging you Mr. Speaker; let us protect the Members of Parliament. If the providers of canteen services at Parliament are not satisfied with the amount that they are getting and therefore feel they should increase prices so that the Members of Parliament suffer, do away with them. It is either that we provide our own food or we get alternative service providers. I thank you.