Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
RESIDENTS living at Richmond Landfill, popularly known as Ngozi Mine, have appealed to Geo Pomona Waste Management to prioritise them for employment when the company takes over waste recycling operations at the site.
The residents made the appeal during a site visit by the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trusts (ZNOART), saying they had no objection to Geo Pomona taking over the recycling operations but wanted to benefit through employment opportunities.
Some residents have lived at the landfill for decades and depend on waste picking for their livelihoods.
Ms Limukani Sibanda, who said she had lived at the site since 1994, said residents had gained extensive experience in handling and sorting waste.
“I have been living here since 1994. I know no other home than this place. We have heard that a company called Geo Pomona is coming to take over the place, so our appeal to them is that they prioritise us when employing. We have the experience of picking waste,” she said.
Ms Sibanda also raised concerns over a long-standing housing promise by the Bulawayo City Council, saying residents had been placed on a waiting list for housing but had yet to receive stands.
She said residents were asked to pay US$50 in 2013 and were subsequently allocated stand numbers, which they have continued to renew annually.
“We were asked to deposit US$50 in 2013 and we were given stand numbers. Every year we are renewing with council, but our stands have not come out,” said Ms Sibanda.
Another resident, Mr Nicholas Mpala, welcomed the proposed involvement of Geo Pomona but echoed the call for locals to be given first preference for jobs.
“We welcome this development, but our appeal is to be given first priority in terms of employment,” he said.
The residents’ concerns come as authorities seek to address challenges at the Richmond Landfill, including waste management and the impact of activities at the site on surrounding communities.
