Online Reporter
Fungi Kwaramba-National Editor
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has approved the appointment of Geo Pomona Waste Management chief executive and executive chairman Dr Dilesh Nguwaya as his Special Advisor on Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability.
This move is expected to accelerate the country’s transition towards cleaner cities and a greener economy.
The appointment, which is with immediate effect, positions Dr Nguwaya to provide strategic guidance to the Presidency on critical environmental matters as the country grapples with mounting waste management challenges driven by rapid urbanisation and population growth.
In his recommendation letter, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya said Dr Nguwaya’s appointment is expected, among other responsibilities, to provide the Presidency with direct access to practical expertise and strategic guidance on waste management and environmental sustainability.
The establishment of Geo Pomona Waste Management Private Limited in April 2022 under a public-private partnership framework was a landmark intervention to provide sustainable waste management solutions at the Pomona Dumpsite and support the country’s environmental objectives.
Dr Nguwaya’s appointment is now building on that foundation.
“Waste management has become a critical national priority due to rapid urbanisation, population growth, and increasing environmental challenges,” Dr Rushwaya noted in the concept note recommending the appointment.
“Inefficient waste disposal contributes to pollution, public health risks, environmental degradation and missed economic opportunities in recycling and resource recovery.”
Dr Nguwaya comes at a time when Harare has witnessed a marked improvement in waste management, largely due to the efforts of Geo Pomona Waste Management.
Dr Rushwaya described Dr Nguwaya as a distinguished environmental and business leader with extensive experience in waste management and sustainability.
“Under his stewardship, the company (Geo Pomona) has overseen the expansion of waste collection through door-to-door residential refuse collection, placement of skip bins across the Harare Central Business District, and recycling systems, alongside the introduction of waste segregation and resource recovery programmes,” he said.
Apart from that, Dr Nguwaya has been instrumental in overseeing the development of the upcoming 16-megawatt to 22-megawatt waste-to-energy plant, feeding into Zimbabwe’s national power grid and circular economy initiatives.
The project is poised to transform the country’s energy landscape while addressing mounting waste disposal challenges.
The appointment is also expected to leverage Dr Nguwaya’s experience in creating employment opportunities, particularly for youths and women.
Dr Nguwaya already employs more than 1 000 people at Pomona, a once hazardous dumpsite that has been repurposed and festooned with ultra-modern sporting facilities and restaurants.
Dr Rushwaya noted that Dr Nguwaya has been at the forefront of mobilisation of private-sector investment partnerships in environmental sustainability
“He has headed strategic regional delegations, including benchmarking tours and waste management expansion agreements with nations like Madagascar and Belarus,” he said.
The concept note outlines that these initiatives have collectively improved waste collection efficiency, reduced environmental pollution, enhanced public health, increased recycling rates, and stimulated green economic growth.
Dr Rushwaya said Dr Nguwaya’s appointment would support the development of a national waste management transformation agenda.
Further, it would promote circular economy policies and practices.
“It would also facilitate increased private-sector participation and investment and support the achievement of national environmental and climate commitments,” the Chief Secretary added.
As Special Advisor, Dr Nguwaya is expected to provide strategic policy advice on waste management and environmental sustainability, support the formulation and implementation of national waste management strategies, and advise on public-private partnerships within the waste management sector.
He is expected to also promote investment in recycling and green industries, monitor global best practices and recommend their adoption in Zimbabwe.
Through his position, Dr Nguwayo is expected to support national environmental awareness and behavioural change programmes.
The appointment is projected to contribute to cleaner cities, towns and communities, increased recycling and resource recovery, reduced environmental pollution and improved public health and sanitation, the concept noted said.
Other anticipated benefits include a growth in green jobs and entrepreneurship, enhanced climate resilience and environmental protection, and greater private sector participation in environmental management.
Added the Chief Secretary: “Dr Dilesh Nguwaya’s proven leadership, expertise, and achievements in waste management and environmental sustainability make him exceptionally qualified to serve as Special Advisor to His Excellency the President.
“His appointment would strengthen national efforts to transform environmental challenges into sustainable development opportunities and contribute significantly to building a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous Zimbabwe.”
The appointment comes as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to address environmental degradation while pursuing economic development through green industries and circular economy principles.
In an interview yesterday, Dr Nguwaya said he was ready for the new challenge, which he said came as a shock to him.
“I feel very honoured by the President; it’s the highest office which honoured me. I didn’t expect this to happen in my life,” he said.
“Not everyone wants to deal with waste; it’s just an industry of managing waste and also protecting the environment.
“The President has prioritised environmental and waste management because he wants his people to live in a clean environment. This is a befitting honour because I have demonstrated the ability to care for the environment.”
Dr Nguwaya said Harare is now going back to its sunshine status due to heightened cleaning of streets and collection of bins.
“We want to make sure we meet international standards in terms of waste management and my duty is now to focus on the whole nation, not on Geo Pomona alone.
“Geo Pomona has revolutionised waste management, dispatching refuse trucks around the City of Harare and sweepers at night bring the shine to the capital city.
“The President is very happy with the work that has been done by Geo Pomona so far,” he said.
Dr Nguwaya said Geo Pomona, which has been given the task of replicating its model to other cities, is equal to the task.
“It is our duty as Zimbabweans to build our nation, the President always says, ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’, and we are ready to play our part.
“I am going to put more effort into making sure the people of Zimbabwe live in a clean environment,” said Dr Nguwaya.
