2 days Ago By postcourieronline
By Martha Louis The Lae Rosso Community Cleanathon is an exciting new initiative led by Michael Earley, deputy chairperson of the Lae District Peace and Good Order Committee, who, after observing widespread littering in the city, decided to take action. “I noticed that the public was not taking responsibility for their rubbish, and there was litter everywhere,” said Earley. “I wanted to come up with a plan that would involve the whole community — to help change the mindset about our environment, cleanliness, and taking ownership.
This is not about receiving payment or a stipend; it’s about creating a clean and healthy Lae for all.” The Cleanathon will be a biannual event, with the first clean-up scheduled for this weekend and the second planned for the first week of September. Following the clean-up, decorative flags will be put up around the city to celebrate the collective effort and inspire pride in a cleaner Lae.
All primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions have been invited to participate. A circular issued by Provincial Education Advisor Keith Tangui has instructed schools to take part, with grades 6, 7, and 8 from primary schools leading the way. Students are encouraged to wear their school uniforms, while business houses and organisations are requested to wear corporate or casual uniforms.
The Lae Fire Service and JVPNG have also pledged their support. Earley emphasised that this initiative is “not about what Lae can do for you, but what you can do for Lae.” Schools will focus their clean-up efforts outside the Central Business Area, while business houses and interested individuals will clean the city centre.
The initiative was born out of discussions among local ward groups and passionate Lae residents who want to clean up Lae and inspire and engage youth. Importantly, the Cleanathon has the full endorsement of Hon. Member and Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, who will personally participate in the top town area alongside Keith Tangui.
Earley also issued an appeal to the public, especially PMV bus passengers, urging them not to spit out of windows or throw bottles onto the streets. “We need to be responsible citizens,” he said. “Changing our mindset is the key to making Lae a cleaner, healthier city.
Lae can be the model Green City of Papua New Guinea.” He also clarified that he has no political ambitions, putting to rest any rumors about a possible election campaign. “This initiative is purely for the love of Lae,” Earley said.
Businesses wishing to support the Cleanathon are encouraged to donate: -Gloves -Rubbish bags -Snacks -Drinks The Cleanathon is a voluntary community effort — no stipends or payments will be made driven purely by civic pride and a shared vision for a better Lae..
