Mnangagwa wants Zimbabweans to embrace culture of responsible waste disposal

The capital's long-standing waste collection crisis is expected to ease significantly following the commissioning of the Geo Pomona Waste Sorting Plant, along with a fleet of refuse trucks and other equipment, by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday.

The event, held at the Geo Pomona Waste Management site in Borrowdale, was attended by government officials, investors, and Zanu-PF supporters. President Mnangagwa used the occasion to urge citizens to abandon illegal dumping and embrace responsible waste disposal practices.

"As we roll out the modern waste collection system, I urge all of us Zimbabweans to desist from illegal dumping," said Mnangagwa. "Let us embrace a culture of responsible waste disposal, recycling, and environmental stewardship in order to realise our goal of a clean, safe, and healthy environment."

Mnangagwa acknowledged the severe consequences of Harare's waste crisis, including environmental degradation and public health risks, such as disease outbreaks. He said the newly commissioned plant and fleet mark a "turning point" in the country's waste management efforts.

"This must become a thing of the past. The plant and the trucks we are commissioning today mark a turning point in our quest towards efficiency in waste management," he said.

The new equipment includes 45 refuse trucks and 100 skip bins, with additional units expected in the near future. The investment is part of the government's broader push under Vision 2030 to create clean, safe, and economically vibrant urban environments.

"Congratulations, Pomona. Through the pages of this equipment, we must see the waste management system being capacitated to efficiently and consistently collect waste across all parts of Harare," the President added.

President Mnangagwa also urged other local authorities across Zimbabwe to emulate the Geo Pomona model in improving waste management.

Describing the sorting plant as a "beacon of national potential," Mnangagwa emphasized the facility's role in transforming waste into a resource that can drive economic growth. The plant enables the recovery and reintegration of recyclable materials into the economy, supporting the broader Waste to Energy Project.

"The plant is a critical enabler of the Waste to Energy Project, which will soon contribute between 16 and 22 megawatts of electricity to the national grid," he said. "This is a solution that exemplifies innovation and modernisation."

The President commended Geo Pomona Waste Management CEO Delish Nguwaya and his team for their commitment to environmental sustainability and national development.

"Your accomplishments thus far are applauded and inspirational to others in our region and continent. However, the responsibility of waste management does not lie with Geo Pomona alone. It is the duty of every Zimbabwean," Mnangagwa said.

The commissioning ceremony coincided with World Environment Day, as Zimbabwe joined the international community in promoting environmental protection for present and future generations.

Geo Pomona Waste Management (Private) Limited is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative in collaboration with the Harare City Council. The project is expected to revolutionize urban waste management in Zimbabwe and set a benchmark for sustainable development.