While applauding the independent press for exposing government excesses, the PM said the public interest was “not best served by mistruths and sensationalism”.
He said $1,5 million has been set aside last year for the purchase of off-road vehicles for outreach duties. “Like all civil servants, whose plight everyone concedes must be improved, Ministers are not on a meaningful salary. Their salary does not include any allowances such as housing and education because of the limited fiscal space,” says a statement from the PM’s office.
“While the current law says only the President’s salary should be gazetted, perhaps we need greater transparency where all remuneration and benefits for everyone in government are made public.”
He also called on everyone in public service, including ministers, to declare their assets and for a comprehensive vehicle policy.
In the face of accusations of profligacy, the Prime Minister said he had sought to clarify the cost and the context of the procurement of the vehicles.
“The government should not operate as a secretive enclave. In the public interest, the Ministry of Transport should state the number of vehicles procured and the total cost to the taxpayer,” says the statement.
Post published in: Zimbabwe News