Tribe now on banking

The people of Chuave’s Kinamaina tribe turned out in thousands to witness the FPDA and BSP ceremony at Komane village, 60km southeast of Kundiawa. Words and Picture: MICHAEL KOMA…

By MICHAEL KOMA

THE ethnic Kinamaina tribe’s people dwelling on the Giriu Range in Chimbu’s Chuave district now have access to banking services.

Thanks to Bank South Pacific and the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA).

Last Thursday about 2000 locals flocked to a village near Komane Primary School to open personal savings account with BSP.

Five bank staff from Kundiawa arrived in the area upon the FPDA’s request to facilitate the transactions.

Despite deteriorating road infrastructures, the FPDA’S headquarters in Goroka has established a major bulb onion project in the area in a bid to enable the poor farmers to generate funds to off-set personal, family and tribal commitments.

The bulb onion project is situated at seven different locations stretching from a place called Mainomo to Komane in the West Elimbari area.The villagers began planting onion seedlings in June last year and the first harvest is set for next month, according to the project co-ordinator Alouis Togo.

Mr Togo said it was the first time they (the locals) were introduced to bulb onion cultivation by the FPDA.

The bank’s involvement was basically to encourage the farmers to save their hard-earned kina and expend it wisely on basic needs such as soap, clothes and school fees and food.

Many tribal leaders had thanked both the FPDA and the BSP for introducing the crop into the area as well as taking commercial banking services closer to the people.