A ruling party MP in Zimbabwe sparked outrage by dismissing a US$15 million allocation for a project at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport as “petty cash” during a parliamentary debate. This remark, recorded in Hansard, has ignited fury amid Zimbabwe’s severe economic crisis, characterized by 85% unemployment and collapsing public services.

Economists and civil society groups highlight the stark contrast between the MP’s rhetoric and national priorities. US$15 million could significantly impact critical areas like healthcare, education, and food security. For instance, this amount could fund essential medicines for public hospitals for two years, rehabilitate over 200 rural schools, or provide emergency maize subsidies for 1 million households for six months, according to the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD).

The MP’s comment reflects broader governance failures in Zimbabwe, where the country ranks 157th out of 180 on Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating rampant public sector corruption.

Historical precedents show mismanagement of funds in institutions like ZINARA, where “petty cash” was mismanaged. Citizens express disgust over the disconnect between leaders’ rhetoric and the public’s reality. “How can they treat millions like pocket change when people can’t afford a loaf of bread?” said Tariro Ncube, a resident of Bulawayo. A transparency advocate added, “This mentality explains why service delivery collapses while elites loot.”

end//..