The Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited (MVIL) has opened two new branches in Lae, Morobe Province, that will now fast track its processes and increase client service.

The two offices were opened at the Brian Bell Plaza, which is the flagship customer service centre that will assist with Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance renewals and the Lae Tidal Basin Office that will cater for Claims and new registrations for CTP insurance.

MVIL Chief Executive Officer Mr Michael Makap said the flagship office at Brian Bell Plaza is similar to that of the Port Moresby’s Vision City Branch in terms of concept and will open on Saturday’s as well for renewals. He announced that the Brian Bell Plaza Branch will open today (Tuesday) to kick start its operations.

Mr Makap said the new office at the Lae Tidal basin will give opportunity for inspections because of a wider space.

“The important thing to be done here (Tidal basin) is that we need to inspect the vehicles, we got a good space at the parking lot where they will bring their vehicles and our inspectors will examine it, when everything complies with our requirements then they will come in to the office to be registered,” he said.

“These openings are to try and bring improvements to the systems and processes so that our customers or vehicle owners can be served in such a favourable environment.”

Lae Branch Team Leader Jenny Raia said this will help cut down on queues and waiting time.

“Our customers deserve this new facility so that there will be less of queuing up. On average, in a day we register about 18 to 19 new businesses, change of ownership and renewals in a day which can be 1,500 new registrations in a month.”

She added that the old office, Post Office Branch, caters for operations and claims and the service was good but with two divisions in one office, space was the major challenge. However, with the opening of the new branch, it will provide better customer service for its corporate and individual clients.

Morobe Governor Hon. Luther Wenge, who was present to officiate at the opening, urged MVIL to also look into vehicle registration as well due to a lot of illegally licensed vehicles on the roads.

“I want to encourage you MVIL that you must take over registration. Change the law so that everything comes under your control to reduce a lot of illegally licensed vehicles.”

This article was first published by Post-Courier on 30 May 2023.