MDC-T attacks its MPs over outrageous demands

MDC-T has attacked outrageous demands by its MPs who are demanding accommodation and top of the range Land Rover Discovery vehicles and 300 percent hike for their sitting allowance.

The party said while it understood the plight of its legislators, the demands were not warranted.

"The MDC acknowledges the sorry plight facing the MPs which does not befit their status but is strongly against their demand of what the media has called outrageous perks while the ordinary people of Zimbabwe are struggling to put food on the table," the party said in a statement.

"The MDC is aware that most MPs do not have cars; that they are using public transport and are failing to go back to their constituencies because Parliament is broke.Therefore, the MDC fully appreciates the sorry plight of the MPs from across the political divide who are committed to serving their country."

The party said despite their sorry predicament, it believed that its MPs cannot be demanding that those who stay in Harare be provided with accommodation, among other perks such as top-notch Land Rover Discovery vehicles and a three-fold increment in their allowances.

"The people of Zimbabwe are suffering and are struggling to put food on the table.While the MPs may have legitimate concerns, those concerns must reflect that representing the people is not equal to what the press has branded as the MDC's unbridled pursuit of avarice and expensive tastes," the party said.

"We are different as a party and we understand the people's plight and the crisis facing the country. The party assures the people of Zimbabwe and pledges its unstinting commitment to represent the people well. The MDC has taken it upon itself to ensure that the demands by its MPs are in line with the values of the party and are cognisant of the suffering people of Zimbabwe."

The party said it was an organisation for ordinary Zimbabweans who want parliamentary representatives with a dignified status, "but who do not make demands that give the impression that we have joined the bandwagon of those from Zanu PF who are in the news every day for plunder and personal aggrandisement at the expense of the welfare of the ordinary citizen.

"All MPs certainly deserve all-terrain vehicles but cannot be demanding expensive Land Rover Discovery vehicles while one million children are out of school. The people of Zimbabwe have invested their hope and faith in the MDC and the party must not betray that hope."

The party said it had already spoken to its leaders in Parliament assuring the nation that the legislators will make demands that are reflective of the national situation and the plight facing ordinary Zimbabweans.