Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)

Good leadership, positive Lae growth

He said this is because Lae is a shipping hub, it hosts major manufacturing companies and the Okuk Highway connects Lae to the Highlands region.

Byrne attributed positive developments in recent years in infrastructure, which supports business growth, to good political leadership.

“They used to call Lae the ‘Pothole City’ but it is not anymore. We have some roads that aren’t being fixed piece by piece by great leadership and money being spent where it should be spent, including in the community as well as the businesses,” Byrne said.

LCCI reminder to members

“Last year, as you will recall, there was looting and trouble spots around town, particularly against businesses who were perceived as ‘disrespecting’ the memory of the Late Grand Chief, or at least using it as a reason to loot,” said LCCI.

“Metropolitan Superintendent, Chris Kunyanban, has advised stores to close tomorrow as a precaution against potential recurrence of incidents and police being unable to attend.

“Some stores may be visited by police, who will ask you to close.

“Be safe, be vigilant.”

LCCI warns commuters

The Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry described these parts of Lae as “hotspot areas”, saying there is always an incidence of risk but coupled with the election period, incidents have escalated.

The LCCI reported that a school bus was recently intercepted by a gang on Butibam Road, who smashed the windows and attempted entry.

Quick thinking and action by the driver averted any entry, leaving the kids and crew safe but shaken.

“Drive safely, be alert, take care,” said LCCI president, John Byrne.

Lae Roadworks Update

The Chamber noted that JVPNG are progressing ahead of schedule and are now working on the section from Bumbu Bridge to Butibam.

“A bypass section has been created to allow traffic,” said LCCI president, John Byrne.

He outlined that effective March 26th, no trucks are to go up or down Butibam.

“All trucks and heavy transport will now go through Kamkumung.

“This is expected to be for a period of six weeks, at which time JVPNG forecast completion of that sector and the opening of more work on Bumbu Road, Hunter and Malahang area.

Lae Chamber president passes

McLay passed away on January 3rd, 2018, aged 72, at the ANGAU Memorial Hospital in Lae, Morobe Province.

The Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) sent out an official announcement late yesterday afternoon of McLay’s passing.

McLay has been executive president of the LCCI for 22 years – from 1995 until his passing – and has served as Australian Honorary Consul in Lae from 2013 to 2017.

Born on January 16th, 1945, in Victoria, Australia, McLay travelled to PNG as a kiap and worked in several areas around the country.