Talent Gore-Herald Reporter
THE Parliamentary Thematic Committee on Climate Change has expressed satisfaction with waste management operations at Geo Pomona in Harare following a verification visit to assess the facility’s contribution to sustainable waste management and climate change mitigation.
The visit followed a briefing by Geo Pomona to Parliament in April and was aimed at giving legislators first-hand insight into the company’s waste management practices, particularly the handling of organic waste and efforts to reduce methane emissions.
Committee chairperson Senator Priscah Mupfumira said the visit was intended to provide members with a practical understanding of waste management practices and enable them to identify policy and operational challenges requiring legislative intervention.
“The verification visit to Geo Pomona is intended to enable the Committee on Climate Change to gain a practical understanding of sustainable waste management practices, particularly in relation to the management of organic waste and efforts to reduce methane emissions,” she said.
Senator Mupfumira said the committee was also assessing areas where Parliament could provide legislative support, noting that climate change affects sectors such as industry, the economy, education and health.
“Any support you may require from us, we are here to engage so that together we can build the Zimbabwe we want,” she said.
Senate Leader of the Opposition Senator Sengezo Tshabangu expressed support for Geo Pomona’s proposed partnership with the Bulawayo City Council, saying the arrangement had already received endorsement in principle.
He said the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the company and the local authority was the final step before the partnership could proceed.
“There is no better place than Geo Pomona in Africa. This is one of the best projects we have ever produced in Zimbabwe. It is a masterpiece,” said Sen Tshabangu.
“In Ngozi Mine in Bulawayo, we are still experiencing gas emissions that are polluting the environment. It is a disaster and, as Leader of the Opposition, I support and endorse the Geo Pomona project in Bulawayo.
“What remains is the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Bulawayo and Geo Pomona.”
He also called for households to be encouraged to separate waste at source, saying this would improve efficiency and increase the volume of waste processed at the facility.
Geo Pomona Waste Management chief executive officer and executive chairman Dr Dilesh Nguwaya said the visit had provided legislators with an opportunity to assess the progress made by the company in advancing sustainable waste management solutions.
“As you are aware, solid waste contributes to climate change, so the visit by the committee is meant to assess what Geo Pomona has done and appreciate the work being carried out here,” said Dr Nguwaya.
“As Geo Pomona, we will continue striving to build a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future for all Zimbabweans.”
Dr Nguwaya said the company had begun preparations to distribute household waste collection bins, with some already in the country following procurement from China.
“We have already procured these bins from China.
“They are on their way, and some have already arrived. Soon, the bins will be distributed to residents, and we are expanding the programme to cover the entire country,” he said.
