Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporters
The United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa), which was in the country for the Southern Africa Regional Caucus Meeting, has described the Geo Pomona waste-to-energy facility as one of the best in Africa.
It said the technology can help other countries improve their waste management solutions. Speaking after touring the facility yesterday, Zimbabwe Local Government Association (ZILGA) secretary-general, Mr Livison Mutekede, who was leading the delegation, said the facility was top-notch.
“This facility is a marvel and as a Zimbabwean I feel proud to be part of this journey; from a derelict land which we had around this area,” he said.
“I encourage all the municipalities to adopt this approach to managing waste. This is the way to go for Zimbabwe.”
The delegation included officials from countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Morocco and Spain.
Mr Mutekede said delegates from other countries were impressed by the facility.
“This is a facility which is one of a kind in Southern Africa, so it was actually a wow moment for them,” he said.
“They may want to see their municipalities come here and learn from this place and import this kind of technology into their own countries.”
UCLGA secretary-general for Spain, Mr Francois Menguele, said the facility was a benchmark for member states.
“It is a benchmark of the kind of solutions that we must promote for our members because we are an umbrella organisation,” he said.
“The technology that we have seen here — that waste can be collected, sorted and recycled to produce energy — is wonderful and we want to empower our members as much as possible by tapping into this technology.”
Geo Pomona Waste Management CEO and executive chairperson, Dr Dilesh Nguwaya, said the company was always ready to assist local and foreign municipalities.
“As Geo Pomona and as Zimbabwe we are grateful to receive such delegations from across the continent and even beyond,” he said.
“If they are coming to learn the good work that has been done by Geo Pomona, it means we are leading in waste management and we continue giving our advice to those who want to partner us.”
The UCLG Southern Africa Regional Caucus Meeting ran from February 26 to 28.
The high-level summit convened over 40 delegates, including mayors, chairpersons and senior municipal leaders from across the Southern African region, to deliberate on the future of urban governance and sustainable development.
