Zim diplomats face destitution at the expiry of their tour of duty

ZIMBABWEAN diplomats are reportedly getting stuck in foreign lands at the expiry of their tour of duty as Government fails to secure money for their return home.

Some diplomats, have as a result, been ejected from their lodgings while their children faced the risk of being thrown out of school as Treasury takes long to disburse money.

But Foreign Affairs Secretary Mr Joey Bimha, while confirming there were problems at foreign missions, warned parliamentarians some of the reports were exaggerated.

A Parliament portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Co-operation last week expressed concern at the welfare of Zimbabwean diplomats outside the country.

The committee raised the concern when Mr Bimha appeared before it to give evidence on the quarterly budget performance of his ministry.

Hurungwe North MP, Cde Peter Chanetsa (Zanu-PF) said it was embarrassing that Zimbabwean diplomats were facing humiliating moments that soiled the image of the country.

Cde Chanetsa said there were reports that the delay by Treasury to release money had caused some Zimbabwean diplomats to be ejected from their houses for failing to pay rent.

The committee also raised concern that some embassy offices were threatened with closure, as Government would have failed to pay rentals.

"We have friends who tell us, it is not proper, you need to tell us what is happening because it is the image of Zimbabwe that is suffering," he said.

In response, Mr Bimha said while it was true that the Ministry was facing financial challenges, some of the reports were exaggerated.

He said some of the reports were coming from "disgruntled emotional officers".

"Yes, we have slowed down on a number of recalls. We have started with those who have stayed longer," he said.

"Even under those difficult circumstances, we have tried to ensure that their children go to school and rentals are paid. We have tried to do some financial gymnastics, but I want to warn members of the committee not to rely on hearsay."

Committee chairperson and Zaka East MP, Cde Samson Mukanduri (Zanu-PF) said reports that Zimbabwean diplomats outside the country were not getting their salaries on time were a cause for concern.

"If you do not know when you will get your salary, it is a problem that is why we have this concern. It is our responsibility (as Government) to ensure that our people don't suffer while they are outside," said Cde Mukanduri.

Earlier on, Mr Bimha had said the major issue of concern related to outstanding salaries that had become a recurrent expenditure.

"In other words, reimbursements to missions were running a month behind schedule. So far the situation has not changed."

In his presentation, Mr Bimha said Treasury had allocated US$73,6 million to his ministry. Of that money, US$7,5 million was for head office while US$66,1 million was for diplomatic missions.

Treasury, he said, had released US$626, 417 for head office for the first three months, representing 33 percent of expected funding.

The releases went towards financing operational expenses including 2011 arrears and some unavoidable foreign trips undertaken by Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi.

"Emergency funds had to be remitted to Mali to rescue the minister and his delegation who were stranded there after a coup d'etat," he said.

On diplomatic missions, Mr Bimha said Treasury undertook to provide them US$4,2 million each month for mission reimbursement.

"Projected releases for the first quarter of the year would thus amount to US$12,6 million. However, due to liquidity constraints, Treasury only managed to avail a total of US$8,3 million, thus falling short US$4, 2 million (34 percent) below the expected level," he said.