Staff Reporter
Transport operators accept and support the use of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), this was revealed during their one on one meeting with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), today.
In an interview with this publication, Alfred Mumba, representative of Zimbabwe National Commuter Omnibus Operators (ZNCOO), expressed his support for the ZiG.
“We welcome the introduction of the ZiG, and as transport operators we support the use of our local currency. However, issues of change have become a cause for concern; we are, however, looking forward to the increased circulation of smaller denominations from the RBZ, as we are having issues especially for the 0,50c change.
‘The commuters are important to us, therefore we need to serve them well by giving them change when it is due. We are behind the ZiG initiative,” said Mumba.
In addition, Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) President, Tafadzwa George Goliati, emphasised the need to introduce a change mechanism at bus termini.
“It was my plea that the RBZ Governor makes available a trial mechanism to have a Bureau de Change at bus termini, for a start in Harare’s (Copacabana, Charge Office, 4th bus terminus, Market Square and Mbare), that provide change to transport operators. If any transporter has issues of change they can approach the agents, thus helping in circulating the ZiG,” added George.
The same sentiments were shared by Thomas Mutamiri, the Treasurer at Zimbabwe National Commuter Omnibus Association (ZNCOA) who implored the RBZ to have agents at bus termini.
“I implore the RBZ to bring agents to bus termini that the public can access the ZiG easily. Whenever commuters need to travel, let them find the ZiG available at the bus termini,” said Mutamiri.
Meanwhile, the RBZ, in a bid to ensure sufficient local currency, made an arrangement with Homelink so that transporters and other cash-based businesses can access smaller ZiG denominations
The meeting between RBZ and transport is a sign by the bank to show it’s commitment in ensuring ZiG is accepted and widely used by the public.
