Banking

Getting cash from the bank to pay for our programme expenses is a task that is normally handled by Tresor, our Finance Officer. It is something I have done in other countries I have worked in although it is not one of my favourite tasks. I am usually the only white female in the bank and so I feel quite conspicuous and vulnerable walking out with, what to most people in there is, a substantial amount of cash. But today Tresor is sick and we needed cash.

To cash a cheque requires the individual to present their Identity Card so it is something that can only be done by a Chadian. The only person in the office who was available and also had their Identity Card with them was Justine, the Office Administrator. But she doesn't drive and I was the only person available to drive her. (Are you starting to get a picture of the sort of day it was...?).

On arrival at the bank Justine walked confidently up to one of the bank tellers and handed over the cheque and her ID card. The person behind the window looked something up on his computer and started writing something on the back of the cheque. I was just thinking 'this is going to be quick' when the cheque and ID card were handed back to Justine and she walked across to another line of 5 cashier booths on the other side of the bank. There were groups of 4 or 5 men crowded around two of the windows, with the other positions being unoccupied.

I gradually figured out the 'system' for getting your cheque cashed. You stand around until the moment that you decide the group around a particular cashier is not too large and then you push your way to the front and place your cheque and ID card on the counter. You then stand around for a bit longer, but a bit closer, until the cashier picks up your cheque and ID card and at that point you can move forward to be served. Once you are handed your money you then have to count it without moving away from the counter but whilst the next customer is served. When you have counted the money and nodded to the cashier you are handed your receipt and can leave.

From arriving at the bank to leaving again took nearly an hour so at least I now understand why Tresor is away from the office for so long when he goes to get cash.

Of course, as a British person, I couldn't help thinking that the whole process could be speeded up by having a few more cashiers and insisting that everyone forms a queue and waits their turn to be served...