Local leaders call for BSP mini-branch at Halimbu

An ariel view of Halimbu Junction in Hayapuga of Tari-Pori district *(Image: Hawalo Photography)*

Two prominent community leaders in Hela have called on BSP Financial Group Limited to establish a mini-branch at Halimbu Junction to service the growing economic needs of the Hayapuga local-level government [LLG] area in Tari-Pori district.

Community leaders Steven Halimbu and Tobby Maya Pajape made the joint appeal during the official opening of a double classroom at Halimbu Primary School on Saturday, a project funded under BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek community initiative.

Halimbu said Halimbu Junction, commonly known as Three-Corner, is strategically located as the gateway to the Komo and Hides PNG LNG project sites and the Koroba-Lake Kopiago district, where the Highlands Highway ends.

He said the area is rapidly developing into a vital economic hub for the LLG, with the upcoming commissioning of the new Halimbu Market and plans for a local police station to maintain law and order.

"Given its prime location and growing infrastructure, a mini BSP branch is ideal for Halimbu," Halimbu said.

Pajape supported the call, highlighting that Hayapuga LLG, comprising 21 council wards, is the largest LLG in Tari-Pori, surpassing neighboring Tagali, Tebi, Tari Urban, and Pori LLGs in both land area and population.

Responding to the appeal, BSP Highlands regional area manager John Tomba described the petition as genuine and well-founded.

Tomba said BSP would initially consider establishing BSP agent banking centers in the area to assess customer demand and operational viability before determining the feasibility of setting up a full mini-branch.