MPs sleeping in cars as hotels demand payment upfr...

MPs sleeping in cars as hotels demand payment upfront

Joseph Chinotimba – Zimbabwe Situation — Hon Joseph Chinotimba

Philemon Jambaya

Parliamentarians were on Monday compelled to sleep in their cars after being turned away by hotels which demanded payment for accommodation upfront.

According to a motion moved by Buhera South legislator Joseph Chinotimba, MPs who arrived in Harare on Monday were denied accommodation.

“I also rise on a matter of national importance concerning Members of Parliament’s (MPs) accommodation.

“Yesterday MPs had to sleep in their vehicles because there was no accommodation at hotels. Some MPs who arrived on Sunday were given accommodation but those who arrived on Monday did not get accommodation.

“The hotel administration said an upfront payment should be made. We enquired from our chief whips who said Parliament has said they cannot pay,” revealed Chinotimba.

Hon Chinotimba also revealed that the treasury was offering a certain amount which hotels were not accepting.

“Treasury said they want to pay a certain amount which is not what Parliament needs for hotel accommodation.

“Up to this day, there are some MPs who do not have hotel accommodation and are still sleeping in their vehicles. Maybe this is happening because we are coming to the end of our term – we do not understand,” added Hon Chinotimba.