Jane Mlambo| Parliamentarians from both Zanu PF and MDC have teamed up against Finance minister Mthuli Ncube over parly vehicles

MPs from both the ruling party and the opposition described the decision to delay disbursing money for their vehicles as a “travesty” of justice, saying they were entitled to the vehicles.

Outspoken and independent legislator for Norton Temba Mliswa led the chorus of disapproval over the decision saying it was wrong for government to suspend the MPs’ entitlements simply because there was a disease outbreak.

Mthuli Ncube finally acceded to their pressure and promised to hand them vehicles after deliberations on various options on the table.

“I am on the side of making sure that you get your vehicles, but we have been debating as to whether we give you a 100 percent loan, partial loan or zero loans so we have that action on the table but either way vehicles are on the way,” he said, while addressing legislators who are gathered in Bulawayo for the 2019 pre-budget seminar on Thursday.

Under the Parliamentary Vehicle Loan Scheme, Treasury purchases the cars for the MPs; who in turn pay back the money as a loan during their five-year tenure in the National Assembly. Generally, the legislators buy the brand new, all-terrain SUVs for a song — as the repayment terms are extremely friendly and flexible.

Zimbabwe has more than 350 MPs despite having a relatively small population of just over 15 million people.