Madang Governor leads first cleanthon for 2026

Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa today took the lead in the first cleanathon exercise for 2026, fulfilling his role as patron of the Madang Town Cleanathon Program.

Mr Pariwa was accompanied by his first secretary, Francis Tavatuna and youths who decided to join in when they saw Governor Pariwa walking the streets of Madang Town's Central Business District.

Pariwa has been an avid supporter and participant of the Madang Town Cleanathon Program since last year.

In a brief interview with NBC News, Governor Pariwa reiterated the need for the people of Madang, both town residents and the local people, including business houses and government agencies to participate in the program and also to be responsible with their rubbish when in town.

He said rubbish bins will be placed around town later on for people to place their rubbish in them.

The first lot of drums that were put out last year have been removed as they were beginning to wear out.

Mr Pariwa said the program will continue on a monthly basis just like last year and urged those who have nothing to do at the end of every month to come out and help bring back the face of Madang.

He said Madang Town, being the provincial capital, is the face of Madang Province and the six districts and must be kept clean at all times.

Mr Pariwa added, "That in order to make Madang beautiful again, we must put our words into action."

Mr Pariwa also had the opportunity to have a chat with a group of low- risk prisoners from Beon Correctional Institution who also participated in the cleanathon.

He extended his special gratitude to them, stating that although they are in detention, they still took the community initiative to participate in the exercise, which is a good example to the greater Madang community.

Madang Town Cleanathon Program Coordinator, Eugene Wanai, also extended his appreciation to everyone who participated.

"Governor Ramsey Pariwa, who is also the Patron of the program, flew in from Port Moresby on the early bird just to take part in the program together with the rest of the Madang Community.

"I was pleased with the turnout and support. Despite issues and challenges, we will still continue to make Madang Town a better, cleaner, and more beautiful place.

"Cleanliness is next to holiness. The facelift of Madang Town in terms of cleanliness is an expression of the people's lives and the province. Let the outside world see Madang as it used to be before," Wanai said.

He has appealed to every individual, citizen, and the general public to be mindful of their rubbish when in and around the Central Business District of Madang Township.

He added," Let's be responsible and take ownership of our beautiful Madang town. The next
cleanathon will be on the 28th of February 2026."