Lae residents

Deputy Operations Commander at the Lae Metropolitan Command, Nacca Paul, said while celebrations were hosted at various locations around the city, police noted a significant change in mindset. In the past, intoxicated individuals would cause unnecessary disturbances at public events. This year, there were barely any alcohol-related disruptions in the city.

“We did celebrate a successful 48^th independence for Lae city,” Paul, who was in charge of independence operations, stated.

Community leader and senior citizen of Lae city, Sasa Zibe-Kokino, said he has been advocating against this waste management issue from the three fish processing facilities at Malahang since last year.

Zibe-Kokino even submitted a letter to the Lae City Authority in June last year regarding the improper industrial waste disposal, but is yet to get a response.

Health concerns have also been raised by residents at Bumbu and especially the Butibam health centre, which closes its doors when the wastes, mixed with floodwater, spill into the clinic.

Acting metropolitan superintendent, Chief Inspector Fred Kaiwa, made the call following a number of reports of vehicles being stolen using key copies.

Kaiwa said many vehicles have been reported to be stolen in the last few months through this tactic.

Kaiwa added that police have reason to believe that there is a syndicate of criminals or specifically, car thieves, who are behind this.

He said the target areas are the main shopping centres, including Eriku and the main market.