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“We don’t foresee a situation where the ATM and ZimSwitch systems will be offline, as the fibre optic cable for our network systems have also been recently bolstered,” said Mr Guvamatanga.
Meanwhile, there were long queues at most banks in Bulawayo as members of the public withdrew money for Christmas shopping.
Bank officials said that it was the trend every year as people wait until a few days before Christmas to withdraw money for shopping.
“I am afraid this has always been the trend which causes congestion at banks at this time of the year,” said the official.
Most people said they spent long hours at the banks waiting for their turn to be served.
“I got at the bank at 8am but I was only served at 11am because there were many people today,” said Mr Kenneth Mayisa of Entumbane.
Another client, Mrs Susan Chipunza, said the queues were turning most people away.
“I had to do some errands after seeing the long queues and my fear is that some people might be forced to do their shopping on Christmas,” said Mrs Chipunza.
The bank official said if the situation persists, they would be forced to extend their working hours in order to accommodate their clients.
Eco-Cash outlets were also equally congested as some people were sending their families in different parts of the country money for Christmas while others were receiving money.
“I want to send my mother some money, but the queues are not moving. This is because more people are sending money to their loved ones in rural areas,” said Mr Farai Motsi.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter