THE people of remote Telefomin district in West Sepik Province are now accessing improved banking services for the first time since independence.
This follows the official opening of the Telefomin BSP hybrid branch by the BSP Financial Group Retail Banking General Manager, Mr Ronesh Dayal on Monday November 18, 2024.
The opening marks a major step forward for the Telefomin district as it provides all banking services to the people at their door step.
Mr Dayal says the opening reflects BSP’s deep commitment to serving the people of Telefomin.
“It symbolises our mission to make banking accessible to every Papua New Guinean,” he added.
Mr Dayal said in the past residents faced significant challenges to access banking services.
He said Telefomin people have been travelling long distances to Vanimo, Kiunga or Tabubil to access basic financial services.
“This upgraded branch eliminates those barriers; you are no longer need to travel long distances to manage your financial services.
“BSP is here to provide you all the banking services that you need right at your door step, right in your community.
“The branch will bring a lot of benefits to Telefomin which include; easy access to banking – residents can now handle their banking daily, saving time and reducing all those travel costs that you may have incurred before.
“The branch will create employment opportunities, supporting economic growth in the region.
“It also empowers individuals and businesses in the region to achieve their financial goals.
“BSP’s contribution to Telefomin go beyond banking. Since 2009 we invested around K670, 000 in community projects across West Sepik Province, delivering 28 projects in the region.
“In Telefomin and Oksapmin alone, BSP has completed two projects, providing an inclusive banking network.
“We also have six agents, four in Tabubil and two in Oksapmin. We have seven ATMs, five in Tabubil and two in Telefomin.
“This ensures that everyone in Telefomin and neighbouring areas have access to reliable and secured financial services.
“As we celebrate this opening, I encourage everyone to take full advantage of our banking services here and take care of the facilities.”
Mr Dayal congratulates Minister Mirisim for making this banking facility delivered on high note.
He also thanked the contractor for its commitment and perseverance in delivering the facility, despite how difficult it was to get it up and running.
“What it proves is that if you have the commitment, perseverance and the right intent, nothing is impossible.”
The opening ceremony was witnessed by high-level delegation comprised of State Ministers, Governors, Head of Department, stakeholders and development partners.
Notable among them include; Vanimo-Green MP and Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Belden Namah, West Sepik Governor, Tonny Wouwou, Western Highlands Governor, Wai Rapa, and Department of Finance Secretary Samuel Peniasi.
