Japan-Backed Baruni Landfill Project Reaches New Milestone In PNG

 The opening of a third landfill cell at Baruni marks a further stage in Port Moresby's efforts to improve solid waste management, with the new facility expected to provide additional disposal capacity for the capital over the next several years.

The project, valued at K9.3 million, was commissioned on October 13, 2026, and is designed to hold between 350,000 and 400,000 cubic metres of waste when fully utilised. NCDC expects the expanded facility to support its operations for another three to five years.

Japan-Backed Baruni Landfill Project Reaches New Milestone In PNG/Photo supplied

Baruni Landfill's development has received technical assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency under the J-PRISM programme, launched in 2011 to promote improved solid waste management across Pacific Island countries.

In Papua New Guinea, the partnership has helped NCDC develop its waste management plan and introduce improved landfill practices. Cells 1 and 2 were previously upgraded from open dumping sites to a semi-aerobic landfill system using the Fukuoka Method.

The approach is intended to make landfill operations more efficient, maximise available space and minimise greenhouse gas emissions and environmental harm.

Speaking at the opening, NCDC City Manager Ravu Frank said the latest expansion reflected the changes made to Baruni since 2016, when work began transforming the site from an open dumpsite affected by environmental and health concerns.

Frank said the facility now served a population of more than one million people and remained the only sanitary landfill in Port Moresby.

Japanese Ambassador to PNG Hisanobu Mochizuki congratulated the commission and other stakeholders for their work on the project. He said the experience gained at Baruni could help guide waste management improvements in other parts of the country.

“Baruni Landfill site will be a frontrunner to achieve success not only with NCD, but also with the other cities, towns, and villages in PNG. Hopefully, this story will be disseminated also in other countries. Papua New Guinea is really a frontrunner in this effort.”

In his keynote address, NCD Governor Powes Parkop thanked the Japanese Government, its people and the ambassador for their assistance to Port Moresby. He acknowledged support delivered through JICA and the Asian Development Bank, where Japan is the largest shareholder.

Parkop also recognised JICA's involvement in Papua New Guinea since 1974 and its ongoing contribution to the country's development.

With Cell 3 now operational, NCDC will have additional landfill space to accommodate waste generated by residents and businesses as it continues to manage the city's disposal requirements.