Bank for Maprik

 By ROSELYN ELLISON

BANK South Pacific has opened a sub-branch in Maprik, East Sepik, two years after a branch it used to operate was forced to close in 2012.

The bank’s resumption of service in the area last Thursday was largely welcomed by the locals, who are now spared of a long and at times dangerous trips to Wewak just to do their banking.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neil land East Sepik Governor Sir Michael Somare officiated at the opening.

Speaking at the opening of the branch, Sir Michael urged the people to make good use of the bank and to start saving.

“Now, you have full banking services here so use this service,” he said.

Sir Michael said banking service was very important.

Most of the people in the area have accounts with BSP.

Sir Michael said: “I thank the BSP management for seeing the banking needs of my people as this new bank will help them as well as the local public servants and business executives. 

“I also want to commend Maprik MP John Simon for the good work he has done,” Sir Michael said.

Retail banking deputy general manager Kili Tambua said that through this sub-branch, the people of Maprik would be able to do their banking right in the heart of the district.

Tambua said banking in neighbouring town Wewak was now a thing of the past.

He said customers in Maprik can now sign up for BSP mobile and internet banking solutions, which could save time and money.

“We would like to thank Maprik MP John Simon, the district administration and community leaders for partnering with us in having sub-branch here,” Tambua said.

“We would like to remind the community to take ownership of sub-branch, as this is something that must be to ensure that we continue to provide banking to our people,” he said.

The bank will provide 14 BSP agents, one automatic teller machine (ATM) and 19 Eftpos terminals.