By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The government has announced that the Monomotapa Crowne Plaza Hotel in central Harare, recently acquired through the public service pension fund, will now serve as accommodation for Members of Parliament.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube revealed the development on Wednesday during a pre-budget seminar for legislators held in Bulawayo.
“Did we ever tell the MPs that we bought them a hotel? If you allow me, I’m going to announce today that we have bought you a hotel. It’s Monomotapa Hotel,” said Ncube.
“This is for use by MPs. 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.”
The 182-bed hotel, sold by African Sun Limited in August, is one of Harare’s most recognisable landmarks.
Located next to the Harare Gardens, it is famed for its distinctive design inspired by the ancient Kingdom of Monomotapa.
Ncube did not disclose how the hotel will fund its operations or generate returns for the pension fund but hinted that it would continue to operate commercially when rooms are not being used by MPs.
“We will now come up with a scheme of how it can be utilised for the benefit of MPs. When you’re not using it, it can earn revenue for its upkeep,” he said.
The acquisition is part of the government’s broader efforts to reduce costs associated with housing legislators.