Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE City of Victoria Falls is in discussions with Geo Pomona Waste Management to enter into a partnership to address the city’s growing waste management challenges and safeguard its environmental integrity. The potential collaboration aims to overhaul the city’s waste disposal systems in a move to protect its status as a world-class tourist destination.
This initiative comes as the tourism hub works to maintain its recently awarded Wetland City Accreditation — a prestigious recognition under the Ramsar Convention — while addressing growing waste management challenges.
The city’s hospitality sector alone generates over 80 tonnes of food waste per month, placing immense pressure on existing landfill capacity and raising environmental concerns, including methane emissions from decomposing waste.
A delegation from Geo Pomona Waste Management, led by Chief Executive Officer Dr Delish Nguwaya, recently visited Victoria Falls to assess the city’s waste management infrastructure. The team held meetings with council officials before touring the local landfill site to evaluate potential solutions.
The engagement marks a crucial step towards adopting modern, sustainable waste management practices that align with global standards and protect the city’s delicate ecosystem.
Speaking after the landfill tour, Victoria Falls Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube highlighted the urgent need to upgrade the city’s waste disposal systems, stressing the importance of an engineered landfill and advanced waste processing technologies.
“The most pressing issue is waste management itself. We need an engineered landfill. We need a management system that will protect our environment and enhance the health of our citizens,” said Mr Dube.
He also emphasised the importance of collaboration:
“It is clear that we need partners who can come in a significant way to assist us and share their expertise.”
Geo Pomona Waste Management, known for its innovative waste disposal solutions, expressed readiness to support Victoria Falls in tackling its waste challenges. Dr Nguwaya acknowledged the city’s importance as a tourism destination, noting that effective waste management is essential to maintaining its global appeal.
“Geo Pomona Waste Management has the solution for how to manage waste. This place is a centre of attraction in terms of tourism. The city receives many local, regional and international visitors,” he said.
“So, the place needs to be clean to ensure every visitor enjoys a pleasant environment.”
Dr Nguwaya reaffirmed the company’s commitment.
“As Geo Pomona, we are ready to collaborate. We are ready to provide solutions in terms of waste management.”
Geo Pomona has already made significant progress in transforming waste management in Harare through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the City of Harare. The company is implementing a large-scale integrated waste management project that includes the construction of a state-of-the-art engineered landfill designed to meet international environmental standards.
The initiative also incorporates waste-to-energy technologies to reduce methane emissions and generate electricity, alongside robust recycling programmes to minimise landfill dependency.
Additionally, Geo Pomona has introduced advanced waste collection systems, including modern compaction trucks and landfill liners to prevent groundwater contamination — setting a new benchmark for urban waste management in Zimbabwe.
For Victoria Falls, the partnership with Geo Pomona could bring much-needed upgrades to its waste infrastructure.
The city’s current landfill is nearing capacity, and without intervention, improper waste disposal could threaten its reputation as a premier tourist destination and jeopardise its Wetland City Accreditation.
Potential solutions under consideration include the development of an engineered landfill to replace the existing dumpsite, the introduction of waste sorting and recycling facilities to reduce landfill waste, and the implementation of methane gas capture systems to mitigate harmful emissions.
Public awareness campaigns on sustainable waste practices may also form part of the long-term strategy to foster community involvement in environmental conservation.
Both parties have committed to further discussions. If successful, this collaboration could serve as a model for other Zimbabwean cities striving to balance urban development with ecological sustainability.
Once Victoria Falls secures the partnership, it will strengthen its future as a clean, green and sustainable city — ensuring its status as a world-class destination for generations to come.
