Lae, Sunday 4 May 2025 – The Rosso Lae Community Cleanathon, a powerful grassroots movement to revitalise Papua New Guinea’s second city, wrapped up its two-day campaign today with hundreds of citizens rolling up their sleeves to clean, scrub and restore Lae in anticipation of the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
Coordinator Michael Earley said the cleanathon — held across Saturday and Sunday — mobilised community groups, sporting clubs, companies and public agencies in a massive show of civic pride.
“We’ve had teams working across all corners of Lae City,” Earley said. “Top Town was scrubbed clean, betelnut stains were washed away, and footpaths, shops and streets were refreshed—thanks in large part to help from the Fire Department.”
Volunteers from Igam continued work along the Malahang Back Road all the way to the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium. Corporate backing also grew today with Spectra employees joining today’s activities, while sports clubs including Lae City FC and the Lae Snax Tigers RLFC turned out in force. Players from hockey, netball and other sporting codes also contributed on the roads and fields.
“This is about more than just cleaning — it’s about changing mindsets,” said Earley. “The response has been incredible, and we’re now planning an even bigger cleanathon on September 6th and 7th, just before PNG turns 50.”
Earley called on businesses, individuals and community groups to support the upcoming event: “If you want to donate, participate, or help in any way—please get in touch. Let’s give Lae the shine it deserves for PNG at 50 🇵🇬.”
The Rosso Lae Community Cleanathon continues to build momentum as one of Papua New Guinea’s largest civic initiatives, reflecting a rising spirit of grassroots unity and urban pride.
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