500 garbage drums for a cleaner Lae City

Peace and Good Order Committee Chairman Yaks Tugula (left), Lae City Authority CEO Robin Calistus (centre left), Barlow Industries Limited General Manager Josiah Pip (centre right), and Ahi LLG Councilor Wenti Mineva (right) stand in front of one of the newly donated rubbish drums during the handover in Lae (NBC News)

Efforts to improve waste management and reduce littering in Lae City have received a major boost, with local companies pledging nearly 500 rubbish drums to support a city-wide clean-up initiative.

Barlow Industries Limited has committed to manufacturing and donating more than 200 galvanised rubbish drums to be placed around Lae, in support of a Lae City Authority [LCA] program aimed at keeping the city clean.

In making the commitment, Barlow Industries General Manager Josiah Pip presented one of the first 50 completed drums to Lae Peace and Good Order Committee Chairman Yaks Tugula. The drums are being produced at the company’s own cost.

“The production of all these drums will be at approximately K250,000 altogether to be manufactured by Barlow Industry itself,” Mr Pip said.

“We have produced about 50 drums already and the work is ongoing. My intention is to supply more than 200 drums, possibly up to 250 before we stop production.”

Barlow Industries National Sales and Marketing Manager Bonny Parendo (left), JKT Lim Limited General Manager Dwayne Lim (centre), and Lae City Authority CEO Robin Calistus (right) during the announcement of JKT Lim Limited’s donation of rubbish drums in Lae (NBC News)

Mr Tugula thanked Barlow Industries, describing the company as a strong partner and a true friend of the city for supporting a community initiative that goes beyond business interests.

Lae City Authority Chief Executive Officer Robin Calistus said LCA will work closely with the Peace and Good Order Committee to distribute the drums and monitor their proper use across the city.

Mr Calistus also urged residents to change their attitudes toward littering and make proper use of the rubbish drums once they are installed.

Shortly after Barlow Industries’ announcement, JKT Lim Limited also pledged to provide an additional 200 rubbish drums. The company confirmed the drums will be manufactured by Barlow Industries and donated free of charge through the Lae Peace and Good Order Committee.

JKT Lim General Manager Dwayne Lim said the decision reflects the company’s civic responsibility.

“This is our home and we take pride in Lae. Keeping the city clean is everyone’s responsibility, and we are happy to assist when opportunities like this arise,” Mr Lim said.

The galvanised drums are coated with zinc to prevent rust, ensuring they are durable and suitable for long-term use in public areas.