Chalton Hwende Demands US$150,000 for Each MPEven for Hon. Hwende this is pathetic. Demanding $150,000 from Parliament? After all these years in politics and running businesses, he needs taxpayers to buy him a house? Did they pay back the previous loans? A loan is supposed to be paid back. Pathetic behavior. Zvinyonyadzisa,” Dr. Dendere posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The backlash reflects growing
frustration with Zimbabwe’s political elite, who are seen as prioritising personal benefits while public services such as health, education, and infrastructure crumble.
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Analysts say Hwende’s remarks could deepen distrust between legislators and citizens, many of whom are struggling to afford basic necessities amid soaring inflation and stagnant wages.
Critics argue that instead of lobbying for personal perks, MPs should focus on policies to relieve poverty, stabilise the economy, and improve governance accountability.
Meanwhile, there has been no official response from Parliament or the Ministry of Finance on whether such a loan provision will be included in the forthcoming 2026 National Budget.Opposition legislator Chalton Hwende has ignited public outrage after demanding that Members of Parliament receive US$150,000 housing loans from the national budget, a proposal many citizens and commentators have condemned as tone-deaf amid Zimbabwe’s worsening economic crisis.Speaking during the ongoing pre-budget seminar in Bulawayo, the Kuwadzana MP lamented the government’s failure to provide adequate housing support for lawmakers and argued that inflation had eroded the value of previous loans.
“We received housing loans worth US$40,000, but because of inflation and compared to what those in the Executive received, we also want you to budget a minimum of US$150,000 as a loan that will ensure an MP gets a house,” Hwende said.
Hwende, who also called for salary increments for parliamentarians, justified his demand by claiming that MPs had been given residential stands but lacked funds to develop them.
However, his remarks have drawn sharp criticism across social media.
