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Wallace Ruzvidzo and Remember Deketeke
Herald Reporters
The International Labour Organisation Director General Mr Gilbert Houngbo on Tuesday gave a thumbs up to Geo Pomona Waste Management’s facility saying the former dumpsite had truly been turned around.
The ILO boss was in the country for a two-day working visit which saw him touring the waste management facility to get an appreciation of developments.
Mr Houngbo had last been in Zimbabwe six years ago in a different capacity, when the facility was still a health hazard.
In an interview after the tour, Mr Houngbo expressed great satisfaction in the progress made thus far.
“When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, it’s important to remember that transformation is possible. Reflecting on how much has changed since the project began reinforces the idea that we should never give up, even in tough situations,” he said.
“From the arrival of waste to the completion of the plant and the production of energy, every step we have observed represents a positive path forward. It is clear that we all need to play our part in this process.
“I also noticed measures in place for occupational safety and health for all staff on site, including those in construction. This commitment reflects the criteria that both the Government and the company are adhering to, which is something we strongly encourage from an ILO perspective.”
Mr Houngbo said Zimbabwe was on the right course.
“I have been coming here for the past 20 years, and I have witnessed moments when the situation has been challenging. However, I choose to see the glass as half full—perhaps even more than half full—because I recognise the progress that has been made,” he said.
“While this progress is not the complete solution to poverty, I believe that development should be a collective effort. It is not just the Government’s responsibility; it is a shared commitment among us all.”
Geo Pomona Waste Management chief executive officer and executive chairman Dr Dilesh Nguwaya said recognition from the ILO was reflective of the magnitude or work being done by the firm.
“We feel honoured by receiving these high-profile people to come and see what Geo Pomona is doing in terms of waste management. This shows that we are the champion of waste management in the region and also internationally,” he said.
“People are coming to copy what we are doing here in terms of how we manage our waste, how we are going to separate our waste here, how we are going to incinerate our waste here.”
Dr Nguwaya revealed that they had started receiving equipment for the sorting plant.
“The containers are on their way coming here, so that by the end of January, installation of the sorting plant will be finished and start focussing on constructing waste to energy plants,” he said.
Online Reporter