The government has hiked the sitting allowances paid to elected representatives by between 50 and 100% and backdated the same to January last year.
Members of Parliament’s allowances have been reviewed upwards 100%, while provincial council members and councillors were awarded a 75% and 50% increase, respectively.
The increment was confirmed by the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, July Moyo. He said:
We have three elected levels consisting of MPs, those in provincial councils and local authorities.
The President approved new rates for MPs, councillors and provincial council members.
The levels of allowances are as follows: 50% for councillors, 75% for provincial council members and 100% for MPs.
The adjustment, however, falls way short of what the councillors and MPs have been demanding since 2019.
In 2019, MPs asked for an allowance increase and credit cards for trips outside of the country.
They also demanded that they be served three-course meals and dessert while attending parliament.
The legislators also requested that the government provide gym facilities or pay for their membership fees.