By A Correspondent- Zanu PF lawmaker for Buhera South has challenged the government’s paymaster, Mthuli Ncube to pay government workers.

Chinotimba made the challenge in parliament when he was commenting on recent claims by the Finance Minister, that he had a surplus in his purse and at the same time failing to pay civil servants.

Buhera South legislator said it was ironic for Mthuli to claim that he had a surplus when government workers’ salaries were not sustainable.

“The salaries are inadequate, especially for those in rural areas. The current exchange rate is US$1 to ZW$130 and that is the rate that is being used by most shops, except shops such as OK who do not use the black-market rate. Such shops require that you pay what they charge. It is a ‘take it or leave it’ game,” he said.

“We expect immediate action to be taken on the matter, even if it means Minister Mthuli Ncube to be called into the House to answer questions and to address the matter. At one time, Honourable Mthuli Ncube said that the government has a surplus. How can you talk of surplus when the standard of living for the majority has not improved and they are earning peanuts?”, said Chinotimba.