Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
GEO Pomona Waste Management has launched door-to-door services in Harare, triggering joy among residents as the capital makes headway towards regaining its Sunshine City status.
The Government enlisted the services of the private firm to rescue residents following the local authority’s declaration of incapacity.
The deal expands on their existing partnership on managing the Pomona dumpsite, where Geo Pomona is constructing a waste-to-energy recycling plant.
Under the new agreement, Geo Pomona Waste Management will not only continue managing the former dumpsite, but has taken on the responsibility of waste collection across Harare.
Yesterday, Geo Pomona Waste Management refuse collection trucks were observed by The Herald in Harare’s regions 1 and 3 encompassing the Central Business District (CBD), Budiriro A and B and Glen View A and B, much to the appreciation of Harare residents.
On Tuesday, the waste management firm collected garbage in regions 1, 3 and 4, whose areas include Msasa Park, Hatfield, Manyame Airbase, Sunningdale, Waterfalls, Workington, Glen Norah, Highfield A and B, Willowvale and Westgate.
In an interview, a Glen Norah resident, Gaudencia Chiko could not hide her joy upon seeing waste being collected in her area.
“As the people of Glen Norah, we are very happy with this waste collection initiative by Geo Pomona. Glen Norah was now a very filthy place, there was waste all over the place so this waste collection will really go a long way.
“Geo Pomona should keep up the good work and please do not stop collecting garbage.
“We do not want to fall sick because of uncollected garbage,” said Chiko.
Another Harare resident, Felistus Ngana said it was heartening to note that Geo Pomona was walking its talk and remaining true to its agreement with Government.
Initially, she added, they had thought the deal would not come to fruition.
“We have seen Geo Pomona Waste Management collecting garbage and we are very happy.
“Lack of waste collection was now troubling us very much, we were now at crossroads in terms of where we should dispose of our waste so we are very happy,” she said.
Jericho Dana, a youthful Harare resident said “it was impressive Geo Pomona had delivered on their word”.
“This is a top notch initiative by Geo Pomona, you can tell that the place is very smart,” he said.
Geo Pomona has since opened a WhatsApp channel where it shares its waste collection schedules on a daily basis.
It also shares them on its social media pages. This has been commended by residents as it gives them a heads up on when their areas will be serviced.
“They have come up with an impressive initiative, it makes it easier for us to know when next we will be serviced.”
