By Fanuel Chinowaita
HARARE – The Government of Zimbabwe has acquired the Monomotapa Hotel in Harare to provide permanent accommodation for Members of Parliament (MPs), bringing relief to legislators who have for years endured humiliation, evictions, and sleepless nights in cars due to unpaid hotel bills.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube confirmed the acquisition, saying the move was designed to ensure comfort, convenience, and cost-efficiency in housing lawmakers during parliamentary sessions and national events.
“This strategic move is aimed at ensuring the comfort and convenience of legislators during parliamentary sessions and national events, while also reducing accommodation costs previously incurred through private bookings,” said Prof. Ncube.
“The acquisition reflects government’s commitment to improving the welfare of parliamentarians and enhancing institutional efficiency in the execution of legislative duties.”
The hotel, previously owned by African Sun Limited, will now serve as the official residence for MPs whenever Parliament is in session.
For years, MPs have battled accommodation crises, often facing humiliation from hotels after Parliament failed to settle mounting bills. In 2023, several lawmakers were forced to sleep in their cars or seek refuge in rundown lodges and brothels after being turned away by major hotels in the capital.
The situation had become a recurring embarrassment, with hotels frequently threatening or executing evictions. In 2012, Parliament was forced to adjourn sittings when hotels demanded a US$600,000 payment. Three years later, in 2015, over 40 MPs were kicked out of a Harare hotel for non-payment, while in 2022, some legislators had to pay out of pocket—spending up to US$30 a night at budget lodges.
Accommodation problems were only part of the long list of challenges faced by legislators. Many have gone for months without receiving sitting allowances or fuel coupons, and some have yet to access their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations, more than two years after the 2023 elections.
The acquisition of Monomotapa Hotel therefore marks a significant turnaround, symbolizing government’s renewed commitment to the welfare and dignity of lawmakers.
Economists say the move could also have long-term fiscal benefits, reducing government expenditure on private hotel bookings while ensuring institutional control and predictability in budgeting.
Economic analyst Tafadzwa Chitapi noted that the success of the initiative will depend on transparent management.
“If properly managed, this can help government save a lot of money and provide stability for MPs. However, the real challenge lies in ensuring accountability and preventing political misuse,” he said.
Located in the heart of Harare, Monomotapa Hotel has long been one of the city’s most prestigious hospitality facilities. Its acquisition by government represents not only a solution to a logistical crisis but also a symbolic investment in institutional efficiency.
For the first time in over a decade, Zimbabwe’s legislators will no longer have to beg for rooms, sleep in vehicles, or miss sittings because Treasury failed to pay.
The development is expected to take effect immediately, with renovations and logistical arrangements already underway to transform the hotel into a functional residence for MPs.