Harare — The $50 billion note continues to circulate in Harare where it is being used as change in commuter omnibuses and by vegetable and biscuit vendors.

The note is being used as change in most omnibuses which charge US 50 cents or 5 rand or Z$3 trillion in $50 billion notes.

Kombi conductors and the vendors also accept the $50 billion notes as payment.

Kombi conductors and vendors accept only the $50 billion note while all other denominations in the local currency have since been retired.

Following the legalisation of multiple currencies in the economy early this year, small change has remained a problem, a situation that has forced business to either persuade customers to pick up small items such as sweets in lieu of cash.

The note is, however, no longer accepted as legal tender in other urban areas.

Government has suspended the local currency for the next 12 months after which the Cabinet Economic Cluster says a decision would be made when to re-introduce the national currency.

The cluster is made up of the ministries of Finance, Economic Planning and Investment Promotion, Industry and International Trade and Regional Integration and International Co-operation.

At least US$13 million is required to mop up Zimbabwe dollars held with banks.