Bulawayo, (New Ziana)- The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has partnered BancABC to launch an online digital payment platform which will allow city residents to make payments for services in the comfort of their homes and save time.
The local authority is embracing digital innovation, driving forward its vision to become a smart, transformative, and leading city by 2025. In a statement on Wednesday, BCC said the initiative provided greater flexibility for residents, who could now pay their bills even on Saturdays when municipal offices were closed.
The local authority also said the payment platform enabled instant updating of consumer accounts upon payment. “This development aligns with the vision of being a leading, smart and transformative city by 2025. Customers can now pay their bills at BancABC branches and kiosks located in Pick n Pay supermarkets across the country.
The solution allows city customers to make payments in both USD and ZWL using swipe cards from any bank. “Additionally, residents have the option to pay with cash at the same kiosks if they prefer. To use the service, all that residents need is their city of Bulawayo account number.
“The system confirms the account holder’s details to ensure payments are credited to the correct account. Once the payment process is complete, the account is instantly updated with the amount paid,” said BCC.
The council further said for BancABC customers, bills could be settled conveniently via the WhatsApp chatbot called Ally. “Bills can also be settled through internet banking, or the mobile banking application named A360 from the comfort of their homes or offices. Non-BancABC customers can still visit any BancABC banking hall to make payments, in addition to using the kiosks, which serve both bank customers and non-customers”.
If embraced, BCC said, this move will help de-congest and reduce queues in the revenue halls. “If widely embraced, this platform will help de-congest revenue halls and reduce queues. The city remains committed to innovation in providing smart and convenient payment platforms for its ratepayers.
The platform currently supports payments for billed services as reflected in monthly statements. “The platform offered an alternative to traditional payment methods currently in use,” said the council.
New Ziana
