Zimbabwe to showcase state-of-the-art waste recycling facility

Harmony Agere

ZIMBABWE, through Geo Pomona Waste Management company, is set to showcase its state-of-the-art waste recycling facility to SADC Heads of State and Government, who are scheduled to tour the multi-million-dollar complex in Harare today.

The company is likely to highlight progress made in transforming the former Pomona dumpsite into a modern waste management complex.

The facility — a joint venture between the City of Harare and Geogenix BV — is on track to develop a waste-to-energy plant capable of generating between 16 megawatts (MW) to 22MW of electricity.

The regional leaders will also visit the Museum of African Liberation in Harare.

Selection of the two facilities underscores their pivotal role in underlining Zimbabwe’s progress and their potential to inspire regional integration and cooperation.

The Museum of African Liberation is a collaborative project between Zimbabwe and the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK), a Pan-African organisation.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail ahead of the tour, Geo Pomona Waste Management chief executive officer Mr Dilesh Nguwaya expressed the firm’s readiness to share its expertise.

“Geo Pomona Waste Management is fully prepared to host the SADC Heads of State and Government tour,” he said.

“During the tour, we will proudly showcase the various stations and highlight the significant progress we have made since 2022 in transforming the once-deplorable Pomona dumpsite into a fully functional and well-managed waste management facility.

“Our site now features two fully operational weighbridges, ensuring accurate and compliant waste registration, and we have successfully encapsulated waste that had accumulated for over two decades. The hazardous waste landfills, recently licensed by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), are now accepting hazardous waste, and our wastewater treatment plant is up and running, efficiently treating black water from the landfills.”

Development of the waste sorting plant superstructure, he said, was now complete, while equipment for the plant was en route from Europe.

“Additionally, our concrete batch plant is actively in use, and the recreational facilities, including a FIFA-certified soccer field, are fully completed,” he said.

“We are also pleased to report that our plans to construct a waste-to-energy plant are on course, with a goal to generate between 16MW and 22MW of electricity by 2027. However, it is essential to have all these other stations operational before constructing the waste-to-energy plant.

“Geo Pomona is eager to demonstrate our cutting-edge waste management solutions to the visiting dignitaries, reflecting our commitment to excellence and sustainability.”

The Pomona dumpsite was once a notorious environmental hazard, characterised by uncontrolled waste and rampant fires.

Gas build-up within the landfill triggered frequent and prolonged blazes, spewing thick, toxic smoke into surrounding communities.

Residents endured the health risks posed by inhaling these harmful fumes.

By converting waste into energy, the plant will significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, thereby mitigating the risk of fires and associated air pollution.

Speaking after touring the site in May, SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi said the project was one of the biggest in the region.

In a separate interview, INSTAK chief executive officer Ambassador Kwame Muzavazi said the Museum of African Liberation was more than ready to host the SADC Heads of State and Government.

“You are aware that the final event for the summit will be at the Museum of African Liberation, and it is an integral part of the summit.

“The Heads of State will be coming to see developments at the museum.

“From a logistical, administrative and security side, we are more than ready for the event,” he said.

“The primary thing is that President Mnangagwa will be giving away one hectare of land to the SADC region for the erection of a monument; a monument to commemorate the region’s struggle against colonisation.

“They will also tour the museum construction site.”