The small township of Popondetta was brought alive with the successful staging of the National Development Bank’s Women In Business Roadshow at the Independence Oval. The crowd that had gathered braved the blazing Popondetta sun to hear the presentations which included information on:
The first Women In Business Client in Popondetta Mrs Waidy Urakowi was present to testify on how her business has been successful since receiving funding from NDB to purchase a 10 Seater for her Hire Car Business. “After been loyal with my first loan repayment, I obtained an additional loan and have purchased my second 10 Seater.
This shows the trust and confidence NDB has in me and I make sure I maintain my loan repayment faithfully,” Waidy stated. “This is a business partnership I have with NDB and as long as I run my hire car business or may want to venture into something else, I remain loyal to NDB for making me who I am today,” an elated Waidy added.
Also during the Roadshow, a cheque of K16, 000.00 was presented to Julian Egaga from Timbeki to fund her Piggery and Poultry Project. Julian who has been tagged a role model farmer by the Department of Agriculture officials was lost for words when she was called up to receive her cheque from the Relationship Manager for Women In Business, Mataria Rupa-Tau. “I didn’t expect it so soon and to be presented to me from the Manager who flew in from Port Moresby is indeed a great honour. I can only say THANKYOU NDB and I will not disappoint you; that’s a promise.” Julian said.
“Making such presentations to customers at their doorsteps is quite overwhelming especially when NDB knows that the funding assistance will improve the livelihood of the recipient and her family and contribute to the growth and development of SME in their local community and province as a whole.” Mrs Rupa-Tau highlighted. “Nothing can match witnessing someone’s face light up with jubilation knowing that they have received funding assistance without any prejudice especially for those in rural arrears and NDB stands proud that we can offer this assistance and encourage others to follow suit.” Mrs Rupa-Tau added.
Due to the huge demand in wanting to know more about the respective loan products offered by NDB charging an interest rate of only 6.5%, an impromptu presentation was carried out for the Popondetta General Hospital staff that were not able to attend the public Roadshow for obvious reasons.
The Popondetta Branch has registered an overwhelming response following the Roadshow and Branch Manager Ronald Karam says they are working round the clock to ensure a number of loans are funded in the coming weeks.