Following the November 2017 military coup which resulted in the ousting if Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe is plunged into a constitutional crisis and the situation further deteriorated following the much disputed July 2018 polls.
Zimbabwe is already on
an economic downward spiral, especially over the past two months, as shortages
of fuel, medication at public hospitals and foreign currency, as well as the
tripling of prices of basic commodities, medication at private pharmacies,
school fees and uniforms cripple the nation.
Zanu PF Members of
Parliament (MP) have decided to sacrifice luxury vehicles and other privileges
that come with being a MP to allow Government to direct more resources towards
more pressing needs facing the country, like the fuel, medication etc.
“Our economic situation,
just like the health sector, has bled for over a decade and the solutions so
required to put the nation on a recovery path again are by no means simple but
being implemented nonetheless as Zimbabwe rediscovers its lost glory,” Zanu PF
Chief Whip, Pupurai Togarepi said today in a statement.
During the eighth
Parliament, the MPs were mostly given Ford Rangers valued at $35 000 each with
those requiring vehicles valued above that having to top up on their own. The Government
has been considering acquiring Toyota Hilux double cabs, Isuzu KB D-tech or
Toyota Land Cruiser 200 series for the lawmakers, valued between $60 000 and
$180 000 each.
Cde Togarepi also called
on striking doctors and other civil servants to be patient as Government
implements sore policies to turn around the economy.
Civil
servants have resorted to
half-hearted strikes, and threats of strikes, just so that they are given a
living wage.