Parliament is facing a financial crisis, with critical services disrupted due to reported unpaid debts amounting to hundreds of millions of Kwacha.
However, in an emailed response to a The Daily Times questionnaire Monday, Parliament spokesperson Ian Mwenye insisted that the legislative arm of government is not, in any way, struggling to settle its bills.
Mwenye said the funds required for the payments have already been allocated in the budget.
On Friday, members of Parliament (MPs) were denied food at the parliamentary cafeteria, as the institution reportedly owes the caterer over K190 million.
In addition, automotive multinational company Cfao detained three parliamentary vehicles— Par4, Par5 and MG 830— due to an outstanding K15 million service fee.
Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara, who had been using a rented vehicle due to similar financial constraints, only had the official vehicle released last week.
The situation has also affected the First Deputy Speaker, whose vehicle has been stuck at a service centre for over five months due to non-payment.
An internal communication sent to senior officials Monday acknowledged the challenges.
“Kindly take note that lunch will be served from 12:30pm, and they will serve the items available at least for our survival. As for refreshments, we will be updated. Any inconvenience is deeply regretted. Thanks. No refreshments this afternoon,” the communication read.
In the response to our questionnaire, Mwenye said there may occasionally be delays in payment as Parliament settles invoices after services are rendered.
“Please note that all invoices undergo a thorough vetting process before payment is made to ensure value for money.
“While this payment process may occasionally cause delays, our service providers are required to provide proof of their financial capacity before contracts are signed, which helps mitigate service interruptions,” Mwenye said.
According to Mwenye, no lawmaker was denied food as alleged.
“As a matter of fact, our cafeteria remains open and today [Monday] the caterer served lunch. Be reassured that the services provided by our caterer are expected to be fully operational and running smoothly by Tuesday, February 24, 2025.
“Regarding the vehicles, I can confirm that no vehicles have been detained by Cfao. We are simply awaiting the relevant invoices and once received, payment will be processed promptly,” Mwenye said.
Meanwhile, Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency Executive Director Willy Kambwandira has criticised Parliament’s financial management.
Kambwandira questioned how an institution that receives timely and significant funding could find itself in such a crisis.
“The revelations raise difficult questions about how Parliament prioritises its expenditures, given the dire economic situation in the country.
“It is unsubstantiated to see parliamentary administrative operations crippled when MPs and the leadership of Parliament are everywhere attending meetings, travelling domestically and internationally, and claiming hundreds of millions of Kwacha in allowances,” Kambwandira said.
He further described the situation as “irresponsible and negligent spending driven by greed and self-interest”.
Kambwandira also called for immediate restrictions on domestic and international travel by MPs and the Speaker’s office, urging legislators to focus on stabilising the financial situation rather than accumulating allowances.
