By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Bulawayo – The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has announced the launch of an innovative online digital payment platform, developed in collaboration with BancABC, aimed at enhancing service payments for city residents.
This new system allows residents to settle their bills conveniently from the comfort of their homes, saving time and reducing the need for physical visits to municipal offices.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, BCC highlighted that the initiative is part of its broader vision to transform Bulawayo into a smart, modern city by 2025. The platform provides greater flexibility, enabling residents to pay their municipal bills even on Saturdays when offices are traditionally closed.
The council emphasized that the new payment system offers real-time account updates once a payment is made, ensuring instant reflection of transactions.
Residents can make payments at BancABC branches and kiosks located within Pick n Pay supermarkets nationwide, using either USD or ZWL through swipe cards from any bank. Cash payments at kiosks are also accepted for those who prefer cash transactions.
To utilize the platform, residents need only their Bulawayo account number, which the system verifies to ensure accurate crediting. Upon successful payment, the account is immediately updated, streamlining the process and eliminating delays.
For BancABC customers, bill payments can be conveniently settled via the WhatsApp chatbot called Ally, as well as through internet banking and the bank’s mobile app, A360. Non-BancABC customers are also supported and can visit any BancABC banking hall or use the kiosks, which cater to both bank clients and the general public.
The council believes that widespread adoption of this platform will help decongest revenue halls and reduce queues, especially during peak periods.
“This move underscores our commitment to innovation and providing smart, convenient payment options for our ratepayers,” the statement read.
Currently, the platform supports payments for billed services reflected in residents’ monthly statements. BCC described it as a valuable alternative to traditional payment methods, aligning with its vision to make service payments more accessible and efficient for all residents of Bulawayo.