Eden Commercial Bank has officially reopened its Maridi branch on Monday after closing it during conflict in the county two months ago. The bank is the only commercial bank in Maridi, Western Equatoria.
Arike Samuel Martin, branch manager, says they were forced to close down in mid-September due to insecurity in the town that displaced civilians. He says they were called back by the new county commissioner to reopen since calm has return to the county.
He said, “Today, Monday, is our first day of work since we closed due to the situation that took place in Maridi. As everybody knows, when the incident took place in Maridi everybody ran out of the county. And due to the good confirmation of the new commissioner, he confirmed that the security in Maridi is calm, we should come back and continue operating. That is why we are able to come.”
The bank official says they also met with the county executive director to discuss the issue of fuel since the county is currently experiencing a fuel shortage, which affects operations of the bank.
“There is no fuel but the county authority say they are able to solve that. We should not worry, they are going to give us support for everything that we need we will ask their office, they will be ready to offer us.”
Arike thanked the authorities for their support, stressing that the bank will be open daily from 8am to 4pm.