via RBZ releases creditors list – DailyNews Live 6 March 2015
HARARE – The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has published its creditors’ list on Parliament’s Order Paper, showing that it owes ministers, service chiefs and prominent figures millions of dollars.
However, the apex bank did not provide the debtors’ list which has been demanded by opposition parties’ legislators.
Parliament is currently debating the Reserve Bank (Debt Assumption) Bill which among other things seeks to absolve resettled farmers from paying for agricultural implements they received from the central bank.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Finance and Economic Development chaired by Zanu PF’s David Chapfika has recommended that the Bill be adopted, while fellow Zanu PF legislators, who enjoy a majority in Parliament, are also in favour of the move, making adoption of the Bill a mere formality despite spirited and protracted protestations from opposition legislators.
Some of RBZ’s creditors include companies and farmers owed money for wheat deliveries back dating to 2007 and 2009.
Controversial businessman Phillip Chiyangwa is owed $66 000, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission chairperson Elasto Mugwadi $2 700, deputy Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa $9 000, police commissioner-general Augustine Chihuri $12 000, Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku $8 000, Cephas Msipa $3 000 and Sports minister Andrew Langa $1 000.
According to the Bill, creditors will make claims to the central bank and provide proof for validation before settlement.
“All claims arising from prior debts shall be validated and reconciled by the Debt Management Office for which purpose the Office may demand from the creditor concerned authenticated copies of the relevant loan agreement or contract, any other documentation in support of the creditor’s claim including shipment schedules showing commodities supplied and quality and price per shipment,” reads the Bill.
Creditors’ statements indicating initial balances, disbursements made, payments effected and the dates of the foregoing, the principal amount of the claim and the interest or a court judgment may also be required as proof.
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