Jonglei banker criticizes citizens for hiding money in weevil’s holes
By Philip Thon Aleu
March 6, 2008 (BOR, Jonglei) – Nile commercial Bank (NCB) official says Jonglei citizens do not have bank accounts but keep huge sum of money in ‘unbuttoned pockets,’ grass thatch huts and unsecured temporally shops. The citizens on the other hand blame NCB for slow services.
Thuch Mading Agok, a cashier at NCB Bor branch, told Sudan Tribune Tuesday March 4 that “qualitative service” remains their priority in the second anniversary at Bor that began February 24 2008. “Instead of people keeping money in holes and pockets, it is better you open bank, account with NCB, and have chances of stealing and robbery avoided,” said Mr. Agok adding that “we are determined to foster our services.”
NCB commemorated it first anniversary, at Bor on February 24, 2008. Official activities of NCB were launched by president of Government of Southern Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit on February 24, 2007.
The state government has assured NCB a hand in promoting banking services. “Trading licenses will be considered invalid for those businessmen who don’t have bank account,” said governor Kuol Mnayang at a rally, organized by NCB last Monday. However, the governor never made a statement about channeling salaries of government employees through the bank which analyst say will encourage better saving.
Business community on the other hand blames NCB for being very slow at releasing money on demand. “It is very hard to withdraw your money from NCB, and it becomes very difficult to keep maximum stocks at your shop,” said John Mabil adding that “NCB remains the choice of many business section because it safe.”
The major challenges of NCB include slow transfer process, inadequate cash, low number of trained bankers and excessive lending of money to individuals government officials plus lack of interest among others. ‘‘All these constrains are at low rate in the bank and due to be averted shortly,’’ NCB Bor banker lamented.
(ST)