Civil servants have threatened industrial action soon if government does not review their salaries. On average, depending on the grade, civil servants earn between $240 and $520 a month.
In April, President Robert Mugabe promised them a salary hike premised on the proceeds of the sale of Marange diamonds – but nothing has come to fruition.
“Zanu (PF), MDC-T and MDC-M/N politicians continue to put their comfort first, as shown by the rate at which they are drawing huge allowances through endless and unfruitful foreign trips. We do not understand why a small country like Zimbabwe would need a twin chamber Legislature. We have MPs and Senators drawing monthly salaries from the country’s fiscus,” the party’s National Management Committee member Velta Zumbika said in a statement.
“The parties in the inclusive government are always in and out of the country for endless negotiations of their political pact, which are failing to bear fruit. These politicians use thousands of tax payers’ money during these trips.
“If Parliament of Zimbabwe can formally validate a loan deal of $98 million for a Military and Defence College, what stops the executive arm of government from negotiating other loans to revive the economy, supply medical, educational and sanitary services. The IG should stop prioritising buying of luxurious and expensive vehicles for themselves, Military, Police and Intelligence top brass, when a larger group of Civil Servants is wallowing in abject poverty,” Zumbika added.
Last week the Zimbabwean government approved the massive Chinese loan to build a special purpose military academy on the outskirts of Harare. The academy will be funded from proceeds of the country’s diamonds.
The development has been widely criticised by observers who say there is no need for such a facility.
Critics have also accused the Chinese of extending Mugabe’s dictatorial rule as the aging leader is known for using the military to suppress his opponents.
Finance Minister Tendai Biti has also come under fire for the loan he signed the on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe.
Post published in: Business