BSP closes 3 branches

By DALE LUMA
BANK South Pacific Financial Group Ltd has closed three branches in the country due to ongoing law and order issues, says group chief executive officer Robin Fleming.
He said BSP Porgera in Enga closed yesterday due to the prevailing security situation and will reopen when the safety of staff and customers was assured. The other two are hybrid branches in Koroba, Hela, and Yangoru, East Sepik.
“Due to the prevailing security situation in Porgera, BSP Porgera is closed today and will reopen when the safety of BSP staff and customers can be assured,” Fleming said.
“BSP also wishes to advise that its hybrid branches are also closed today due to law and order issues prevalent in the areas.
“BSP is continuing to monitor the situation and will update the status of all branches in due course.
“BSP encourages its customers to utilise its digital banking services in the meantime. Both Koroba and Yangoru are closed due to law and order issues with tribal fighting around Koroba and security concerns at Yangoru due to a death with the situation being tense,” he added.
Fleming said law and order was a continuous issue faced by BSP.
In Porgera, tribal fighting has caused business houses and government offices to close down indefinitely with more than 100 houses burnt down, making thousands homeless. The Porgera Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for Government intervention by way of deployment of security personnel.