Govt Defends Giving 70 MPs Residential Stands: “It’s Part of Their Benefits”

The Zimbabwean government has finally responded to criticism over its decision to hand out residential stands to members of Parliament, saying the move is nothing new and fully within the law.

Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, issued a statement on Thursday, 10 April, defending the allocation of 70 stands to lawmakers in Harare, Goromonzi, and Zvimba.

He said the handover is part of a standing agreement that began in 2013, which allows MPs to receive residential land as part of their service conditions.

“The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in 2013 partnered with the Parliament of Zimbabwe to avail residential stands in urban and peri-urban areas for allocation to Honourable members, effective the 8th Parliament and forward,” he said.

According to the Minister, previous MPs have also benefited, with land handed out in Goromonzi (188 stands), Bulawayo (49), Chiredzi (12), Kadoma (9), and Beitbridge (5).

“Since its inception, the facility has benefited Honorable members from the 8th (2013-2018), 9th (2018-2023) and the current 10th Parliament. This facility is a once-off entitlement given as a non-monetary benefit, which is part of their conditions of service. To date Parliament of Zimbabwe has been allocated residential stands in Goromonzi (188), Bulawayo (49), Chiredzi (12), Kadoma (9) and Beit Bridge (5),” Garwe added. shorturl.at/BiwR1 The most recent handover took place on 9 April 2025 and saw 70 MPs receive stands across three areas: 15 in Killarny (Goromonzi), 15 in Penrose (Zvimba), and 40 in Mabelreign (Harare).

Garwe insisted the initiative was part of the government’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of public servants.

“In implementing this programme, the Government is fulfilling its commitment of enhancing the welfare of the Honourable members, as it is doing for war veterans, women, the youth and civil servants,” he emphasised. iHarare