Western Union sets up temporary branch at Tassiriki

January 14, 2025 10:08 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Charles Hakwa.

Western Union and Nambawan Currency Exchange have opened a branch at Tassiriki inside The Trading Haus shop on the main road near the Korman roundabout, next door to the Vanuatu Butchery.

The Trading Haus owner, Gary Bradburn, told Daily Post that he decided to allow them some space inside his shop to help them continue their operations until they can move back to their office or relocate to another location.

Bradburn says the earthquake has affected everyone, and he just wanted to help out in the best way that he could.

A lot of people depend on Western Union’s money transfer service, especially those who receive money earned by their spouses in New Zealand or Australia. Allowing them space in his shop helps serve the purpose further, as it eases the pressure on the airport branch as well as their new temporary branch in the Colorite Graphics yard at Nambatu.

It also brings the money transfer service closer to residents of Tassiriki, Erakor Bridge to the village, Nambatu Lagoon, Teouma, and other neighbouring areas.

An Erakor Bridge resident, who depends on Western Union for receiving money from her husband engaged in seasonal work in Australia, is glad to have a branch near her doorstep and thanks Bradburn for allowing them to set up in his shop.

The resident laughed and said that all others in her shoes will also appreciate the agency being in their backyard, saving them a long trip through traffic jams, which can be stressful.

Although many claim the earthquake is a punishment from God, she says she sees it as a blessing as it brings much-needed services closer to home. She hopes Western Union and Trading Haus management consider keeping their Tassiriki branch in permanent operation, as they will never be short of customers with many in the surrounding areas regularly using their services.

The Western Union staff said they are happy to bring services closer to the people, and all operations such as sending and receiving money, as well as foreign exchange, can be accessed at this branch.

The staff also said they are considering temporarily setting up in other locations as well.

Opening times follow the Trading Haus hours, which are 8am to 5pm on weekdays and 8am to 12pm on Saturdays.

After the 7.3 magnitude earthquake, many businesses and government departments based in the Central Business District (CBD) of Port Vila had to relocate to continue operations.

Digicel’s outlet, previously based at the Port Vila Central Market, has been relocated to Au Bon Marche’s Tassiriki branch.

Their Digicel MyCash service, similar to Western Union’s service, is now also accessible closer to home for residents of Tassiriki and surrounding areas.