PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has directed Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
Governor Dr John Mangudya to ensure that international money transfer agents
immediately provide services as a lot of citizens need to access funds sent by
their relatives abroad.
Most financial services had closed their banking halls as
part of the measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Dr Mangudya immediately issued a statement authorising the
transfer agents to start operating with effect from tomorrow.
Money transfer agencies such as World Remit, Western Union,
Money Gram and Mukuru had closed shop, leaving many stranded.
Banks and financial service institutions are urging clients
to utilise online banking facilities which have turned out to be unreliable.
Chronicle published an article yesterday highlighting the
desperation faced by most citizens struggling to access wired funds.
In a statement yesterday, President Mnangagwa said he made
the directive in view of the challenges faced by those who depend on diaspora
remittances for their survival.
“In view of the ongoing Covid-19-related national lockdown
and following concerns from users of money transfer services, I have now
directed the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to immediately address
constraints around this essential financial service,” said President Mnangagwa.
“The new environment arising from the national lockdown has
increased our people’s dependence on remittances, which also have the added
advantage of reaching directly the most marginalised members of our nation.
“Because of the necessary national lockdown, livelihoods in
the informal sector have been disrupted, thus forcing many households to depend
on the support from their loved ones abroad.”
He said it was critical financial service institutions
adapt their operations to the new emergency situation.
The President hailed the diaspora for continually
supporting their relatives during the difficult period.
“Let me, in the same spirit, pay tribute to our citizens
abroad who continue to demonstrate abundant compassion by assisting their
families back home through various interventions, including financial
remittances,” said the President.
Dr Mangudya, also in a statement, said in line with the
President’s directive, money transfer agents should strictly observe rules on
social distancing.
“Money Transfer Agencies (MTAs) with branches operating in
retail outlets shall, with effect from Wednesday 8 April 2020, operate daily
within the timelines prescribed for opening of retail outlets or shops; and
MTAs owned by banks and those with own banking halls and branches outside banks
and retail outlets or shops, shall open for business three times a week, that
is, on Tuesday to Thursday, between 0900 and 1500hrs.
“To allow for operational adjustment, this directive takes
effect from Wednesday 8 April, 2020,” said Dr Mangudya.
He said the decision in respect of the extension of the
above services is to allow for the receipt of foreign currency remittances
which cannot be transacted on any digital or electronic platforms.
“In order to prevent and mitigate the spread of Covid-19,
MTAs shall be required to spread remittance payout access points and to
strictly observe the social distancing guidelines issued by the Ministry of
Health and Child Care and the World Health Organisation from time to time,” he
said. Herald
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