MDC: MPs to get vehicles from government not RBZ

16 April 2009

MPs to get vehicles from government not RBZ

The MDC acknowledges the important role played by legislators in both the
upper and lower houses on issues of community development, feedback forums
in their constituencies and the frequent consultative processes that are
required to keep their constituents informed about what their
representatives are doing in Parliament.

As a party, we are aware of the need for MPs to have instruments of delivery
such as offices, computers and vehicles. The issue of their vehicles should
be handled by through the Vehicle Loan Scheme put in place by Parliament and
the government of Zimbabwe. We have not heard that Parliament is no longer
handling this scheme to the extent that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe could
once again become a central player in dishing out and distributing largesse
when the government is now agreed that the Central Bank should not engage in
quasi-fiscal activities.

It is disturbing to note that the RBZ continues to be abused and to abuse
itself by continuing to engage itself in quasi-fiscal operations when such
operations should migrate to the government through the Ministry of Finance.
Engaging in distribution of capital products is in itself a quasi-fiscal
activity.

The MDC has a strong position against quasi-fiscal operations which have
ground our once vibrant economy to a virtual standstill. We do not have any
report as a party that any of our MPs has collected a vehicle from the RBZ
but if there is any that have done, then they have acted against the party
position. Their case will be brought before the National Executive and the
National Council and these party organs will take a final decision on the
matter.

The MDC believes that national institutions must refrain from those
activities that have run aground our economy. The RBZ cannot continue to
dabble in nefarious activities that have since been condemned by the
inclusive government.

The nation wants to start afresh. The MDC is a party of excellence.

We believe the inclusive government must open a new chapter of prudence,
accountability and honesty. We cannot at this juncture begin to puncture the
people's hopes and aspirations by scoring cheap popularity points on serious
national matters. The Central Bank cannot be allowed to corrupt and poison
the legislature.

Zimbabwe deserves its place among the family of nations. But we can only do
so when we begin to respect values such as honesty, accountability and
fiscal prudence.

MDC Information and Publicity Department