By Rudo Saungweme

Zimbabweans have commended the intention by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to inject new notes and coins in circulation within a fortnight, saying the move will ease cash shortages that had seen cash barons charge up to 60 percent.

Citizens indicated that the mere announcement has led to a decrease in the percentage rate used to buy cash by these unscrupulous cash barons from 60 percent to 27 percent.

One citizen, Tendai Ngoro said, “This development is commendable. We were now hopeless as the cash barons remained adamant on selling cash at a percentage that is beyond the reach of many.

“Although Econet Wireless had to close some agent lines over alleged hoarding and selling of cash, this did not help as the agents had to look for other lines to use in order to sell cash. The injection of more cash in circulation will eliminate these cash barons as people will get to access their cash at banks, more so with the withdrawal cap that is going to be reviewed up.”

Another citizen Chipo Moyo said that the Ecocash agents were the only ones who were lambasting this move as they are now cognizant that their business of robbing ordinary citizens of their hard earned cash is now going to be crippled.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor, Dr John Mangudya, briefing the media yesterday said that the injection of additional cash into circulation would see an upward review of daily withdrawal limits which will be announced in due course.

RBZ will inject new $2 coins and $5 notes that will be used together with the bond notes and coins.