tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
Government has warned the Harare City Council that its plans to bill exclusively in foreign currency were both illegal and against Government policy.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development said Government remains committed to promoting the use of local currency in domestic transactions.
On May 29, 2023, Government directed that all Government agencies, including local authorities, to collect fees and levies in local currency in order to promote the wider use of the Zimbabwe dollar.
“Government notes with concern the outright disregard of this directive by certain local authorities and Government agencies, who either have gone ahead to issue notices to the contrary or continue charging services exclusively in United States dollars. The City of Harare is one such case in point,” said the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development in a statement.
“The behaviour is not only in contravention of the law, but also militates against Government policy.
“Therefore, all Government agencies and local authorities are reminded to comply with the Government directive with immediate effect.”
Government also recently made it mandatory for corporates to pay half their tax obligations (Quarterly Payment Dates) in local currency, among other measures to boost the allure of the Zimdollar.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter