Mphoko still booked at a hotel

Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko is still  holed up at five-star Rainbow Towers hotel — three months after the government bought him a house in the city's leafy suburb of The Grange near Chisipite.

 The Chisipite house cost  $3,5 million.

The VP has been staying at the hotel since December 2014, soon after his appointment as one of President Robert Mugabe's deputies following an elective Zanu PF congress.

Local Government, Public Works and National Housing permanent secretary George Mlilo said  nothing had changed regarding Mphoko's accommodation.

"When you ask about the occupation of the said house, I can't say much on that. I would rather refer you to talk to Cde Tizora [Dzepasi Innocent], the man who is responsible for State Residence in the President's Office," he said.

"What I can tell you is, we acquired a house for the VP and that is where we are at the moment… [on] the next stage, talk to Tizora."

Since he had no accommodation in the capital, Mphoko was booked at Rainbow Towers where he has now clocked 400 days — spending an estimated $280 000 in food and accommodation.

According to the hotel rates, for one to stay in the presidential suite — located in the 17th floor — he has to fork out $403 inclusive of bed and breakfast for two per day.

Lunch and dinner costs $15 each and Mphoko is reportedly staying with his grandchild in the suite, which significantly increases the cost.

The hotel charges an additional $130 for an extra bedroom in the same suite for two kids and his aides.