CRDB Bank customers in Simanjiro have called for expanded access to banking services as the lender marked Customer Service Week with a meeting that brought together clients, agents and bank officials.
Customers from Mirerani and surrounding areas urged the bank to consider establishing branches or increasing agency services in areas including Terrat and Naberera, saying wider access would make banking services more convenient for communities and businesses.
The call came during an engagement organised by CRDB’s Mirerani branch as part of Customer Service Week, which began on October 5 under the theme “The Extra Mile.”
CRDB Mirerani Branch Manager Renatus Rutajama said the theme was aimed at encouraging the bank to go beyond providing the service initially requested by a customer and identify other services that could meet their financial needs.
“Today is the launch of Customer Service Week. Starting October 5, we will spend the entire week celebrating Customer Service Week,” Mr Rutajama said.
He said the bank expected its employees to use customer interactions to identify additional services that could benefit clients.
“If a customer comes to the bank to open an account, we should go the extra mile and offer other services that may benefit that customer,” he said.
Mr Rutajama said the meeting had also provided the bank with feedback on areas where customers wanted improved access to its services.
“We have received their views. CRDB has many branches, including outside the country in places such as Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dubai and China. So, for the areas they have mentioned here in Simanjiro, we will work towards reaching them through branches and agents,” he said.
The demand for more banking outlets comes as economic activity in Simanjiro continues to generate demand for financial services from traders, miners, livestock keepers and other small businesses.
For customers in areas without bank branches, agency banking can provide an alternative for basic transactions, although expanded branch coverage could offer access to a wider range of financial products.
CRDB official Adam Mgaza urged businesses in Mirerani to strengthen engagement with their customers, saying regular interaction could help businesses understand and respond to changing customer needs.
“Dear customer, CRDB Bank wishes you a happy Customer Service Week. It is our pride to serve you and continue providing you with quality services at all times,” Mr Mgaza said.
The meeting also drew support from local religious leaders.
Parish Priest of Our Lady Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Mirerani, Father Aristarki Tarimo, commended CRDB for bringing its customers and employees together, saying such engagements provided an opportunity for clients to directly raise issues affecting them.
Simanjiro District Sheikh Ramia Ramadhani also called on CRDB to expand its services beyond Mirerani.
“CRDB provides good services, so we ask the bank to open branches in other areas of Simanjiro, including Terrat and Naberera,” he said.
CRDB agent in Mirerani Abraham Macha said stronger relationships between banks and customers were important in improving service delivery.
He said cooperation and regular interaction could help create a more customer-focused banking environment.
“Unity, cooperation and love between the bank and its customers should be part of service delivery so that we can leave each other with a smile,” Mr Macha said.
The Customer Service Week activities provide CRDB with an opportunity to collect customer feedback while highlighting areas where the bank could improve access and tailor financial services to the needs of communities and businesses in Simanjiro.