Ex-MPs spoiling to sue govt

A group of former MPs is spoiling to sue government to compel it to pay allowances in arrears that accrued during parliament's preceding sessions .

An ex-member of the eighth parliament's welfare committee and former MDC-T Murehwa lawmaker, Ward Nezi, Friday said former MPs were restive and baying for confrontation with government over  unpaid allowances.

Nezi said he was working towards pacifying former lawmakers.

"They are not many of them (MPs), but they can cause chaos. We have not been given the money and I have visited the ministry of Finance many times to no avail," Nezi said.

"I need somebody to talk to, but it seems government has not been forthcoming. Sometime last year, I negotiated an arrangement with a local financial institution in my capacity as executive chairperson of the ex-legislators forum, but not many benefited."

Clerk of Parliament Austin Zvoma, while acknowledging indebtedness to former legislators, said there had been no movement in resolving the impasse because government had no money.

"We have been assured that Treasury wants to pay but there is no money. There is communication but we have not been given any timeframes," said Zvoma.

He declined to provide details of the total amount  Parliament owed the ex-MPs.

Media reports have indicated that several former legislators have fallen on hard times, with many urgently seeking loans from banks, borrowed against outstanding allowances they are owed by Treasury.

The situation is reportedly so bad that some ex-MPs have failed to pay school fees for their children, while others have had their properties attached after failing to service debts.

Nezi, who also fronts a grouping of former MPs knows as the Ex-legislators Forum (ELFO) as executive chairperson, said the situation was dire.

"Most of these former MPs are not professionals and do not have anything else to do. Some are now agitating for litigation against government, but our thrust has always been one of engagement and not to embarrass government. We have set up a meeting for next Friday to try and cool tempers," he said.

Zanu PF parliamentary chief whip Jorum Gumbo said he understood government's position.

"Government now owes  $5,5 million to both the 7th and 8th Parliament ($4m and $1,5m respectively). We understand what government is going through because even companies cannot pay their workers," Gumbo said.

"These people are operating on shoe-string budget and this is worsened by people who are stealing and smuggling things in the economy. However, I must say our money does not come from PSMAS (Premier Service Medical Aid Society) or any other institution where money has been stolen. Our money comes from the fiscus and as soon as treasury gets money from taxes, they must pay."

Gumbo said he viewed the issue as a labour dispute that could only be solved through negotiations.

Nezi called on government to come forward with a payment plan.

"Each MP from the 7th parliament is owed an average  $20 000. We would want government to come forward and negotiate with us for a payment plan, which would see these former MPs get something at the end of the month," said Nezi.