Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
THE Geo Pomona Waste Management project has drawn high-level praise from Government officials who have hailed the transformation of the site from a toxic dumpsite to a modern waste-to-energy facility as a milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey towards sustainable urban development and energy security.
During a field visit on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes and Projects, Dr Joram Gumbo, said he was impressed by the progress made since the project’s inception.
“I am extremely impressed by what I have seen here,” Dr Gumbo said. “Having known this place before and seeing what it is now, this is going to make a real difference to our city and our country. Employment is being created – around 400 jobs are expected from this complex alone – and most importantly, this project will help us manage waste and generate electricity, which are both critical needs for Zimbabwe.”
The Geo Pomona site, previously infamous for its uncontrolled fires, toxic fumes and unbearable odours, is being converted into a state-of-the-art waste management centre with a waste-to-energy plant set to be completed by 2027.
Geo Pomona Waste Management’s chief executive officer and executive chairman, Dr Dilesh Nguwaya, detailed the progress made on the ground.
“To date, we have collected 82 000 tonnes of illegal dumpsite waste,” Dr Nguwaya said.
“We have also procured refuse trucks, which will arrive in July. Once delivered, we will begin door-to-door waste collection using compactor and tipper trucks. We are well within our project timeline.”
The company took over from the City of Harare in April 2022 and began operations the following month.
Upon completion, the waste-to-energy plant will feed electricity onto the national grid – a first for Zimbabwe on this scale.
Also present during the site visit was Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Charles Tavengwa, who praised the environmental and social transformation taking place.
“From a rubbish dumping site to a clean, well-managed facility, this is a job well done,” Minister Tavengwa said.
“There were always fires, odours and pollution – this area was uninhabitable. Now, you can see the ambience, buildings, and homes taking shape. It is becoming a liveable area again. This will help us restore Harare to its glory as the Sunshine City.”
