BARUNI LANDFILL CELL 3 COMMISSIONED IN WASTE MANAGEMENT UPGRADE

BY JORDAN VELA

Baruni Landfill’s Cell 3 was officially commissioned in Port Moresby on Tuesday, Oct. 13, marking a new stage in the capital’s waste management infrastructure.

The K9.3 million facility was completed in June 2026 as the existing Cells 1 and 2 approach capacity. It uses Japan’s Fukuoka semi-aerobic landfill system, designed to reduce methane generation, improve waste stabilisation and minimise environmental pollution.

Cell 3 has a capacity of about 350,000 to 400,000 cubic metres. The system includes a leachate collection process, with liquid collected from the landfill directed to a pond before being recirculated onto Cells 1 and 2 for further treatment.

Construction involved site preparation, earthworks, foundation work, installation of landfill liners, a leachate collection system and access roads. Work began in 2021, with foundation works resuming in November 2025.

The project was undertaken by Kana Construction and Monier, with support from the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Baruni is the only engineered sanitary landfill serving Port Moresby. The site was redeveloped from an open dump with Japanese assistance, with support continuing through the IPRISM projects since 2012.

The commissioning was attended by Japanese Ambassador Hisanobu Mochizuki, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, Moresby North-West MP Lohia Boe Samuel and NCDC Acting City Manager Ravu Frank.