Villagers urged to protect bank staff, properties

 COMMUNITIES must take ownership of banking services, BSP deputy general manager retail banking Kili Tambua says.

Tambua said this during the opening of a BSP branch in Tari, Hela recently.

“BSP is a service provider and it is important that the communities take ownership and ensure the safety and security of BSP staff and infrastructure such as buildings and ATMs. 

 “We are proud to go where the other banks do not … however, I stress that the safety of BSP staff and bank properties are a fundamental requirement for BSP to provide, or continue to provide banking services in any town or city in Papua New Guinea,” Tambua said.  

People in Tari, Hela lauded the return of BSP to the township as they will no longer have to travel into Moro, Mendi or Mt Hagen to do their banking.

Tari-Pori MP James Marape, Hela Governor Anderson Agiru, BSP general manager branch network Paul Thornton, who also officiated at the launch, expressed the same sentiments. 

Marape described the occasion as another important milestone towards bringing development to the local communities and applauded BSP for the decision to return to Tari, after closing down in 1997. 

“We truly thank BSP for the commitment shown in taking banking into rural areas,” Marape said. 

The new BSP facility will bring banking services closer to the LNG project and the surrounding communities, he said.