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Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE hosted the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government summit on 17 August, where discussions centred on matters of mutual interests that included economic development and the need to foster collaboration on a number of projects.
The event which saw 15 Heads of State and Government gracing the New Parliament in Mt Hampden, has proven to be a game-changer for Zimbabwe as it showcased the country’s developmental projects under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Some of the projects are unique to Zimbabwe as they were achieved through research and innovations adaptable to the country’s challenges.
One of the flagship projects shown and visited by delegates was the Geo Pomona Waste to Energy Power station located at Pomona Landfill in Harare.
The idea for showcasing the Geo Pomona Waste to Energy Power Station project, was for delegates to have an appreciation of how waste can be expertly managed for the benefit of citizens.
And it appears that some of the delegates found the project very ideal to be replicated in their respective countries. One such delegate was the President of Madagascar, Andry Nirina Rajoelina, who soon after the summit invited Geo Pomona executives to explore waste management investments in his own country.
The Geo Pomona executives travelled to Madagascar last week where they met Ministers of Energy and Hydrocarbons, Environment and Sustainable Development, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and Foreign Affairs. The team presented the Geo Pomona waste to energy project to the Madagascan Government officials.
The Geo Pomona Waste Management state of the art plant meant to convert waste to energy has emerged as a flag bearer of waste-to-energy solutions in SADC and Africa. Their innovative approach can position them as a leader in regional waste management.
To achieve this, the company should scale up waste-to-energy technologies to cater for the growing urban populations in the region and Africa as whole, which is also reeling under severe power shortages caused by climate change.
Geo Pomona Waste Management and Zimbabwe in its entirety should share expertise through workshops and training programmes for regional stakeholders to foster partnerships with Governments and private sector entities so as to develop sustainable waste management infrastructure.
Sustainable waste management is crucial in the face of climate change, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions from waste decomposition as well as conserving natural resources by promoting recycling and reuse.
It also ensures a healthy nation as it protects public health by minimising waste-related diseases.
Regional countries can benefit from Geo Pomona Waste Management’s expertise to develop integrated waste management systems and implement effective waste reduction and recycling strategies.
Sadc should also enhance community engagement and education on sustainable waste practices.
Last week, the Geo Pomona delegation met Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina at his Ambohitsirohitra Palace in Antananarivo.
In his remarks to the delegation, President Rajoelina said his Government was ready to work closely with Geo Pomona Waste Management in the innovative waste to energy project.
“I need to thank His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa for sending his team here on a fact finding mission. I am grateful that Zimbabwe and Madagascar are now on a new path of diplomatic ties which will benefit the two countries on the political and economic front. I was impressed by what I saw when I came for the SADC Summit. I witnessed that a dirty and hazardous place can be transformed within a very short space of time,” President Rajoelina said.
Responding to questions from the Zimpapers Politics Hub on Geo Pomona Waste Management visit to Madagascar, chief executive officer, Mr Delish Nguwaya said they were deeply honoured by President Rajoelina’s invitation to Antananarivo in Madagascar.
“The country is facing significant waste management challenges, and during our visit, we had the opportunity to tour some of their dumpsites. The situation reminded us of the condition Pomona was in before its transformation, which gives us confidence that, with the right partnerships, we can help turn these dumpsites into well-managed waste facilities, just as we did at Pomona,” he said.
“The visit was highly productive, as we engaged with key Ministers from Environment and Sustainable Development, Energy and Hydrocarbons, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Territorial Planning and Land Services, and Foreign Affairs. These discussions are crucial for laying the foundation for future collaboration.”
He said at Geo Pomona Waste Management’s vision is to become Africa’s leading waste management and power generation company and would envisage invitations like these to bring them closer to that vision at the same time highlighting Zimbabwe’s progress in waste management on the international stage.
“The recognition and support we have received from across Africa inspire us to maintain high standards in our operations as we continue transforming waste management in Zimbabwe.
“This invitation also aligns with President Mnangagwa’s call that ‘Zimbabwe is open for business.’ We believe this is just the beginning, with more mutually beneficial opportunities ahead for both Geo Pomona and Madagascar,” Mr Nguwaya said.
The SADC Summit has generated significant economic spin-offs with inquiries reportedly flooding Government offices, including the Geo Pomona Waste Management-Madagascar deal. This demonstrates the importance of hosting high-level summits, which showcase national development projects to attract foreign investment.
This also helps the country to foster regional cooperation and knowledge sharing.
Geo Pomona Waste Management represents a state-of-the-art approach to waste management, incorporating crucial elements such as proper waste sorting, leachate treatment, and the establishment of waste-to-energy facilities in fighting the effects of climate change and ensuring good public health.
This innovative project has significant importance to the region, addressing critical environmental and public health challenges in Africa as a result of pollution of the environment with solid waste and contamination of water bodies with leachate.
The establishment of waste-to-energy facilities demonstrates a commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
Collaboration and adoption of successful waste management practices from the Geo Pomona Waste Management project can play a pivotal role in addressing environmental and public health challenges across the SADC region.
Online Reporter