MPs to receive US$15 000 allowances

This follows a decision by the three principals in the inclusive Government to backdate the payments to the time they assumed office in 2008. Legislators who spoke to The Herald on condition of anonymity said modalities of the payments of the allowances were being discussed.
“We have been told we could get once off payments of US$15 000 next week or wait for Parliament to update the attendance register for all MPs since 2008 up to today.
“This would however, delay the payment,” one MP said.
Another legislator said consultations were going on among MPs to find out an acceptable method.
“The first option will disadvantage those that attend Parliament regularly because there are indications that some can receive up to US$30 000,” the legislator said.
The money, the legislator said, will be paid through the Ministry of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs. Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Eric Matinenga, yesterday confirmed the latest development but did not have finer details on the matter.
“We have had indications that something would be paid but I am yet to get the details on how much would be paid or who gets what.
“I am still to check on that,” he said.
The sitting allowances were pegged at US$75 per sitting including attending portfolio and thematic committee meetings.
There was an outcry last month after there were indications that three principals had approved allowances starting from this year.
At one stage the MPs threatened to come to Parliament wearing overalls in protest against the non-payment of their allowances.
Apart from allowances the MPs are also calling on Government to buy them new vehicles arguing that the ones they have were worn out during the outreach programme to write a new constitution.