Plantation workers open bank accounts

MORE than 5000 plantation workers in Jiwaka and Western Highlands now have personal bank accounts with Bank South Pacific, thanks to management of WR Carpenters and the bank.
It was the third fortnight last Friday that workers accessed their fortnightly wages using their bank cards at BSP branches, agents and Eftpos outlets.
The workers, all members of the PNG Agricultural Sector Labourers’ Association (PNGASLA), are very excited over their bank cards.
Clement Tom, a 23-year-old young man, commended PNGASLA for making this possible with management of WR Carpenters.
Tom, a third-generation of Bunum Wo plantation, thanked BSP for bringing banking services to the rural population.
“Plantation people have never known the culture of saving money. They spent all at once on their fortnight days.
“They handled cash and did unnecessary spending because they had nowhere to keep their money safe.
“Now the future looks promising.
“We are very serious about our wages and are tightening up our budgets.
“There are exciting times ahead for plantation children.
“Their hardworking parents can now save some money for their school fees.”