MP's to tighten thier belts

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 July 2009

The Democratic Alliance has proposed a range of cost cutting measures for the executive, these cost include doing away with free trips on the luxurious hotels and cutting the car allowances to R660 000

Party Leader Helen Zille said economic times were tough and that the executive, like everyone else, should have to tighten their belts.

It is reported that Zille said this is year, our economy is likely to shrink by almost two percent and we are deep in recession.

In the midst of this economic crisis, the government must demonstrate that it is prepared to make sacrifices.

One of the proposals is to cancel the right of members of the executive to make use of the Blue Train.

Members were entitled to a state-purchased car of a value equivalent to 70 percent of their annual salary.

It is also reported that the party proposes the cancellation of VIP lounges at airports during domestic trips.

The proposals are being put into place in the Western Cape where Zille is the premier.