HARARE – In the midst of Zimbabwe’s deepening economic turmoil, Members of Parliament (MPs) from both ZANU–PF and the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) are demanding hefty loans of up to US$150,000 each to build luxury homes, sparking outrage among ordinary citizens grappling with inflation, unemployment, and deteriorating public services.
The demands, reportedly led by ex-CCC Secretary-General Chalton Hwende, come on top of a string of previous benefits enjoyed by legislators — including US$40,000 housing loans, residential stands, and new laptops issued ahead of the 2023 elections.
Insiders say the latest proposal would see each MP receiving US$150,000, translating to over US$45 million in total when multiplied by the more than 300 members of Parliament and the Senate combined.
“This is a project being carried out throughout the cities and provinces after Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe wrote to various local authorities, directing them to allocate land for legislators to build residential homes,” said ZANU–PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi, speaking to a local daily.
MPs were goven usd 40k housing loans towards 2023 elections. They were also given stands after elections. Now hon @hwendec wants another usd 150 000
This is happening at a time when the country has no paracetamol in hospitals. pic.twitter.com/mnbzkS4lYm
— Change Radio (@ChangeRadioZW) November 8, 2025
He added that MPs would “pay for the stands,” describing the move as an effort to “remove MPs from hotels.”
However, the allocations have raised serious concerns over corruption and self-enrichment. Reports indicate that some MPs are already set to receive prime land in Harare’s affluent suburbs of Marlborough, Borrowdale Central, and Greystone Park — areas originally reserved for community facilities.
The timing of the new perks has fuelled speculation that the handouts are meant to buy MPs’ loyalty and suppress dissent within Parliament.
Critics have described the development as a moral scandal, especially as the country’s healthcare system remains in crisis — with public hospitals reportedly lacking basic medicines such as paracetamol.
For many Zimbabweans, the MPs’ growing appetite for luxury in the face of widespread poverty underscores the widening disconnect between the country’s political elite and the citizens they claim to represent.