'We're so poor it's embarrassing,' says MPs

Zimbabwe's MPs claim they are resorting to dodgy activities in order to keep up appearances because of pressure from constituents who believe they are wealthy and always approach them for help, Parliament heard on Thursday.

Particularly angered with their plight were first-time MPs who spent large sums of money - in some cases borrowed funds - while campaigning last year only to realise there was no financial return on the "investment".

The lawmakers were recently handed top of the range vehicles from Parliament in an $11 million scheme funded by a government struggling to pay civil servants.

Despite the posh cars however, the MPs - who have not been receiving their sitting and other allowances - claim to be wallowing in poverty and unable to meet the needs of communities they represent.

Parliament heard Thursday that MPs were struggling to live up to the expectations of constituents who believe they are wealthy and always demand material and financial hand-outs.