Madang unites to clean town ahead of PNG’s 50th Independence

Madang residents have sent a powerful message of pride and unity by turning out in record numbers on Saturday to clean their town in preparation for Papua New Guinea’s 50th Golden Jubilee Independence Anniversary.

Nearly 20 groups from schools, businesses, non-government organisations, and communities joined Governor Ramsey Pariwa and Madang Provincial Administration staff in a town-wide clean-a-thon that stretched from Modilon Road and Coronation Drive to the Central Business District.

The cleanup, organized under the Keep Madang Clean Campaign in partnership with the Madang Urban Local Level Government and the Chamber of Commerce, was the largest yet and ran from dawn until midday.

Campaign coordinator Eugene Wanai said the exercise proved that people are beginning to take ownership of their town.

“This cleanup is about restoring pride in Madang and honoring the Independence theme Celebrating Our History, Inspiring Our Future,” Wanai said.

He said the campaign was about changing attitudes, especially among young people, so that the province’s image is not ‘buried in rubbish’ but revived through collective responsibility.

Participants were later treated to more than 200 hotdogs, provided by Madang Resort Hotel, in recognition of their efforts.

“This cleanup shows the spirit of unity. As we prepare to celebrate 50 years as a nation, Madang is showing that we are ready to celebrate with dignity,” Wanai said.