Bank of South Pacific has introduced measures designed to enhance services for social welfare recipients opening new accounts. Country head – Fiji Haroon Ali said teams had been deployed around the country to work with Poverty Alleviation Ministry officials.
“In our joint effort with the ministry to ensure that these customers do not have to come and join the normal queues in our branches to open new accounts, we have mobilised our staff at various centres around the country who are well supported by the ministry officials on a daily basis,” he said.
“In terms of opening new accounts, this is to be a progressive exercise and as such, no current recipients of welfare funds will be disadvantaged.
“They will continue to receive their monthly allowance through their current bankers.
“Minister for Poverty Alleviation and the director of Social Services have clarified this in the past via public statements and advisories to the recipients.
“They don’t have to rush to BSP to open a new account.”
Mr Ali said BSP’s microfinance team had also visited remote and maritime areas where centres had also been set up to assist recipients in opening accounts.
“Bank of South Pacific (BSP) agreed to take over the banking services for the senior citizens and those challenged and disadvantaged recipients of the welfare funds from the Government.
“In addition to this service for the welfare recipients, BSP’s 40-year Tripartite Agreement with Post Fiji and the Government for provision of financial services to the rural customers demonstrates our commitment to our initiative for financial inclusion in this sector over the years despite the associated costs attached to providing such services.”
Social welfare recipients can use BSP services at the following venues:
Date: 11th to 14th
Time: 9am to 3pm
Venues:
Suva — National Gymnasium
Nausori — Central Christian Centre Hall, Davuilevu
Ba — Gujarati Ground
Lautoka — Girmit Centre
Nadi — Nadi Civic Centre
Sigatoka — Sigatoka Village hall
Labasa — Subrail Park
