The streets of Madang town witnessed a powerful display of community spirit on March 28, 2026, as a diverse coalition of organizations, institutions, and residents converged for a massive Clean-A-Thon.
This ambitious initiative aimed to restore the town’s natural beauty and revitalize its public spaces through collective action.
The program saw an impressive turnout of participants who were strategically assigned to clean-up zones across the town.
Groups including Umun/Dalam members, Divine Word University (DWU) students, and representatives from the Madang Teachers College worked alongside corporate teams from Air Niugini, Equiplant & Hire Ltd, and the Fire Service.
Together, they tackled major thoroughfares and public hubs, focusing on key stretches from Balasigo Junction to Tri Line, the UPD Junction to Handy Mart Roundabout, and the central corridor from Ela Motors to the Main Wharf.
The effort was bolstered by significant logistical and financial support from local businesses and teams, including Madang Lodge, RESA Engineering, Madang Motors, LK Trading, Nice One Supermarket, SIGMA, and the Police Prosecution Team.
Local leaders and private contributors also played a vital role in ensuring the program’s logistical success.
Program coordinator Sergeant Eugene Wanai welcomed the influx of new volunteers and expressed his gratitude to the long-standing stakeholders who have kept the initiative alive.
He noted that maintaining the town's environment is not the job of a single entity, but a shared duty.
“The cleanliness of our town depends on each and every one of us. Let us foster unity and partnership to bring back the glory of Madang,” Sergeant Wanai said during the event.
Spiritual and community leaders also used the platform to call for a shift in local mindsets.
Pastor Martin Kubai of Patmos Foursquare Gospel Church, issued a direct challenge to those living in the area to move from being bystanders to active participants in the town's upkeep.
“I challenge those who call Madang their home but do not take part in this program to step forward. Let us show that we care about our town and want to restore its beauty,” Pastor Kubai urged.
Political leadership was visible on the ground as well.
South Ambenob Local Level President (LLG) President Dum Bal, who participated in the clean-up from Balasigo Market to the Madang Provincial Government House, commended Sergeant Wanai’s leadership.
He also acknowledged the patronage of Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa and emphasized that civic pride should start at the top.
“If leaders can come down and clean the town, then we must also do the same. It is time for us to take back Madang,” President Bal remarked.
The presence of Madang Deputy Governor Koi Udag and staff from the Provincial Government further underscored the official commitment to the cause.
As the Clean-A-Thon continues to gain momentum, organizers are hopeful that this wave of volunteerism will eventually restore Madang’s historic reputation as the “Pearl of the Pacific.”
