Security concerns hamper ATM forex transactions in Zimbabwe

MOVES in Zimbabwe to have Automated Teller Machines dispense foreign currency have been scuttled by security concerns.
This was highlighted by finance minister Tendai Biti who said this was not caused by liquidity.
“Our ATMs will be dispensing foreign currency and as such thieves from across the border can come in and raid these ATMs because they will be holding hard currency which is internationally accepted,” he told media.
Only one bank, Premier Bank, currently has ATMs that are dispensing foreign currency.
The ATMs are dispensing amounts between US$1 and US$500 in Harare and Bulawayo.
There are fears of bombing of ATMs following such incidents in South Africa and the United States.
About liquidity, Biti said, “Liquidity is no longer a crisis, there is enough money circulating in the economy,” he said.

Marcus Mushonga, Harare