BSP Mendi reopens, thanks community for resilience

Pictured is a file picture of BSP Mendi Branch.

Tuesday, 22nd December, 2025

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) advises that its Mendi Branch has reopened for business today, Monday 22nd December, 2025, following the black Friday fire last week (Friday 19th December, 2025) that left almost half of Mendi Town’s business houses in ashes.

BSP, the only bank that services the Southern Highlands capital acknowledges and commends the ownership displayed by the community and the Royal PNG Constabulary who ensured the bank was untouched. The Bank expressed deep appreciation to members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the local community, whose swift action and sense of responsibility helped prevent the fire from spreading to the BSP Mendi Branch.

“The actions taken by the community and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary demonstrate the true spirit of community resilience. Their courage and ownership ensured the safety of our branch and allowed us to continue providing essential banking services to the people of Mendi and Southern Highlands. Without the intervention of the community and police on the night of the incident, branch operations may have been disrupted for an extended period. We are truly grateful,” Head of Retail Branch Network – Peter Komon said.

Following safety checks and assessments over the weekend, BSP confirms that the Mendi Branch is fully operational as of today, Monday 22 December, and ready to continue serving customers, businesses, and public institutions.

“BSP has been part of the Southern Highlands for many years. We remain committed to standing with our customers and communities, especially during challenging times,” Mr Komon said. BSP thanks its customers for their patience and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring safe, reliable, and accessible banking services in the Southern Highlands Province.

The bank also extends its heartfelt sympathies to the business houses, market operators, and property owners in Mendi who were affected by the fire. The Bank recognises the hardship such incidents bring to families, businesses, and the broader Southern Highlands community and stands in solidarity with those impacted.