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Mr Denford Mutashu

Kiyapili Sibanda, Business Reporter
THE absence of internet connectivity and lack of sound Information Communication Technology infrastructure is making it difficult for rural businesses to embrace use of plastic money, an official said.

According to the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR), most rural retailers are crying foul due to low business in the face of cash shortages being experienced in the country as they cannot use plastic money.

In an interview CZR president, Mr Denford Mutashu, urged the Government to prioritise rural retailers in terms of cash distribution saying unreliable power supplies and poor network connectivity were making it pointless for rural retailers to acquire Point of Sale machines.

“The Government through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) should prioritise the rural retailers in as far as cash distribution is concerned. There are also other areas that do not have power at all and this makes it pointless for retailers to acquire POS machines,” he said.

Mr Mutashu told Business Chronicle that access to Internet and unreliable power supply in areas that are electrified were some of the concerns that affect rural retailers.

He appealed to the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services to make internet connectivity a priority in rural areas.

Mr Mutashu applauded the increase in use of plastic and mobile money facilities saying the future looks more cashless as technology takes centre stage in most economies. — @Kiyaz_Cool