By CHATULA KAMPO-
SOME traders and public transport operators in Ndola have continued to reject the lower domination coins – five and 10 ngwee coins – in their business, alleging they do not have value.
A survey conducted in Ndola by the Sunday Times at some bus stations and the central business district and markets revealed that some traders and bus operators were still rejecting the lower domination coins.
A taxi driver, Marvin Mulenga, who rejected 10 ngwee coins amounting to K1 alleged that the coins did not have value and were not important to his business.
Mr Mulenga said his fares ranged from K3 to K5 and there was no need for customers to give him 10 and five ngwee coins.
“I do not accept these coins because they are too small and do not have value in my business,” Mr Mulenga said.
“You take them to Shoprite or any other supermarkets, I only accept 50 ngwee and one kwacha coins.”
Sofia Mweetwa, a vegetable vendor in the town centre, said her prices started from 50 ngwee and there was no need for her to accept the lower domination coins as they had no use in her business.
Ms Mweetwa stopped accepting the lower denomination coins because she said her customers were also rejecting them when given as change.
Chileshe Mutale, a bus conductor from Mulugushi Bus Station, said he rejected the coins because they were too small and not easy to keep.
He said he was no longer accepting coins because they easily got lost and this adversely affected his business.
Bank of Zambia (BoZ) head of communications department Kanguya Mayondi said the institution was aware that some traders were still rejecting the lower domination coins.
Mr Mayondi said the coins were legal tender and advised members of the public to use and accept them as they were introduced to be used as change.
“The five and 10 ngwee coins were introduced to use as change and for convenience purposes,” Mr Mayondi said. “We are conducting sensitisation campaigns to educate people on the need to accept coins.”
Mr Mayondi also urged the media to play a role in sensitising the public on the need to use and accept lower domination coins.