Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has praised the people of Lae for their unity and commitment to civic pride during the groundbreaking Rosso Lae Community Cleanathon, held on Saturday 3 May 2025 and Sunday 4 May 2025. He commended the grassroots-driven initiative as a shining example of national pride and personal responsibility ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

The Prime Minister also paid special tribute to Deputy Prime Minister and Lae Open MP Hon. John Rosso for his vision and leadership in fostering community ownership, and to event coordinator Mr Michael Earley for mobilising thousands of citizens in one of the largest voluntary clean-ups in the country’s history.

“This is truly civic action at its best,” said Prime Minister Marape. “Deputy Prime Minister Rosso and Mr Michael Earley have shown what can be achieved when leaders and citizens work together for the good of their city and their country. The people of Lae have set an inspiring benchmark for the rest of Papua New Guinea.”

The Rosso Lae Cleanathon, entirely organised and funded by volunteers, saw participation from thousands of individuals from all walks of life—including students, churches, businesses, schools, civil society, and residents from surrounding Labuta and Huon Gulf areas. Together, they transformed Lae’s streets, markets, and public spaces into cleaner, safer, and more liveable environments.

From early morning fire trucks hosing down Top Town’s 7th Street to the scrubbing of betelnut stains in schools and markets, the momentum swept through the city with a sense of pride and ownership.

Prime Minister Marape highlighted the broader significance of this initiative, stating: “As Papua New Guinea prepares to mark its 50th year of independence, this effort in Lae stands as a powerful reminder that our strength lies in unity, responsibility, and grassroots leadership. I encourage every town, suburb, and village to be inspired by Lae and do the same—because keeping our country clean costs nothing, yet changes everything.”

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the National Government’s commitment to supporting similar community-led initiatives that uphold shared values and drive local development. He called on Provincial Governments, Districts, and LLGs to actively promote civic pride as part of national progress.

The next Rosso Lae Cleanathon is planned for early September 2025 as part of PNG’s 50th Independence Golden Jubilee celebrations.