Govt told to channel by-elections funds to civil service bonuses

Kuwadzana East MP Nelson Chamisa (MDC-T) yesterday said the millions of dollars being "wasted on unnecessary by-elections" could be channelled towards paying civil servants bonuses.

Chamisa told the National Assembly yesterday that while the economy was not performing, MPs continued being wantonly fired from Parliament by different political parties, resulting in costly by-elections.

The issue was raised soon after Speaker Jacob Mudenda had announced to the House that Guruve South MP Chriswell Mutematsaka had been expelled from Zanu-PF, and in terms of section 129(1)(k) of the Constitution, subsequently fired from Parliament.

Mutematsaka, who is suspected to be loyal to former Vice-President Joice Mujuru, was fired from Zanu-PF in December, prompting Mudenda to declare his seat vacant.