Zimbabwe to issue Z$100m banknotes

Updated: 2008-12-04

(China Daily) Zimbabwe's central bank will introduce new higher denomination banknotes of up to 100 million Zimbabwe dollars, as it battles to contain hyperinflation, state media reported Wednesday.

The Herald newspaper said the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe had unveiled new Z$10 million, Z$50 million and Z$100 million notes that would go into circulation today.

The previously highest denomination was Z$1 million.

Bank withdrawal limits would also be raised, just days after soldiers, reportedly angry they could not draw cash from banks, turned on residents and currency dealers.

"The release of the new notes follows the recent review of cash withdrawal limits to $100 million and $50 million for individuals and company account holders per week respectively," the Herald said.

The army blamed the violence on undisciplined soldiers.

The southern African country is in the midst of an economic meltdown, highlighted by the world's highest inflation, officially estimated at 231 million percent, although suspected to be much higher.

Unemployment is more than 80 percent and food, water and fuel is scarce.

The World Health Organization says the death toll from a cholera outbreak has risen to nearly 500 due to broken water systems forcing people to drink contaminated water. The situation has worsened amid a stalemate in power-sharing talks with the opposition over Cabinet positions.

Zimbabwe's central bank has repeatedly lopped zeros off the currency in a failed attempt to rein in inflation.