THE Harare City Council has been struggling to solve the capital’s waste management challenges. However, this might soon change. A local company, Geo Pomona Waste Management, recently took over waste collection and management in an arrangement underwritten by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. The Sunday Mail’s KUDA BWITITI spoke to the company’s chief executive officer, DR DILESH NGUWAYA, on what the deal entails and how this is likely to change the face of the capital.
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Q: Can you begin by outlining Geo Pomona Waste Management’s long-term vision for Harare?
A: Improper waste management poses serious environmental threats, including pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and habitat destruction. Geo Pomona Waste Management envisions a sustainable waste management system that mitigates these impacts while conserving natural resources.
Our ultimate goal is to achieve zero waste at landfills, aligning with our tagline “We are here to protect our tomorrow”.The zero-waste approach focuses on eliminating waste by redesigning systems to minimise production and maximise resource recovery. This means creating a closed-loop system where resources are conserved, waste is minimised and materials are reused, recycled or composted. Our efforts prioritise sustainability, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.
Q: Can you elaborate on the specific terms and conditions of the recent deal with the Harare City Council regarding transfer of waste collection and management duties to Geo Pomona?
A: Geo Pomona’s responsibilities under the agreement include:
Door-to-door waste collection in all compliant suburbs, supported by a structured collection programme;
Infrastructure development: Installation of waste bins, recyclable bins, skip bins and small bins in key areas;
Clearing illegal dumpsites, including cleaning and disinfecting affected areas;
Road and street sweeping: Daily cleaning of the CBD (Central Business District), Mbare and major roads in outlying residential areas; and
Equipment procurement: Acquisition of modern tools such as compactor trucks, skip trucks, excavators, tipper trucks and sweeper trucks.
We are also constructing transfer points and enhancing waste collection infrastructure to ensure a sustainable future.
Q: Will this lead to significant improvement in solid waste management in Harare?
A: As a private player, Geo Pomona is committed to delivering on its contractual obligations with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, as well as the City of Harare.
By introducing advanced technology, robust infrastructure and professional expertise, we will ensure timely and efficient waste collection, significantly improving Harare’s environmental health. This partnership is a step towards transforming the capital into a cleaner, greener city.
Q: Could you provide more details on the status of development of the Geo Pomona waste-to-energy plant?
A: The Geo Pomona waste-to-energy plant is currently in the design and civil works stage, with significant progress made towards its realisation. The plant is being designed to incinerate 1 000 tonnes of waste per day, generating 16-22 megawatts of electricity for the national grid, with technical collaboration from Icaria Italy.
On site, a concrete batch plant is operational, producing concrete which will be used in the construction phase.
The sorting plant is almost complete, and this is very key in converting waste to energy. The sorting plant is where waste will be segregated, thus separating the waste that will be fed into the waste-to-energy plant.
Tarred roads, electrical infrastructure and lighting have been installed to facilitate 24-hour operations, while weighbridges with data systems are in place for accurate waste measurement.
Security measures, including CCTV and fencing, have been implemented, along with supporting facilities like an onsite fuel station.
Environmental safeguards, such as encapsulating waste to reduce greenhouse gases and setting up a leachate treatment system to meet EU (European Union) standards, have been implemented, laying a strong foundation for this transformative project.
Q: Are there any plans for similar projects such as the Geo Pomona waste-to-energy plant in other parts of the country?
A: Expanding our services beyond Harare is part of our long-term vision.
We are keen to replicate our success in other cities, leveraging the lessons learned and systems developed in the capital. Expansion plans will unfold as we refine our operations and achieve our objectives in Harare.
Q: What are the primary challenges faced in implementing your project and how is Geo Pomona overcoming these obstacles?
A: The biggest challenge we face is the lack of public awareness regarding proper waste management and its significance.
Many individuals perceive waste management solely as waste collection, overlooking its critical role in environmental sustainability and public health.
Issues such as illegal dumping, littering and backyard burning further exacerbate this problem. For our waste collection efforts to be effective, it is crucial that Harare’s citizens actively participate in responsible waste management practices. Another significant challenge we encountered earlier was resistance due to misunderstandings about the contract. New initiatives often face opposition when they are not well-understood, which is natural.
For instance, when we took over operations at the Pomona dumpsite, there was confusion about why the City of Harare was being charged for waste disposal. This resistance stemmed from a lack of understanding of the substantial investments involved in modern waste management and the importance of managing waste even at the dumpsite level.
To overcome these challenges, we are implementing several strategies:
Launching educational campaigns to inform the public about proper waste practices and the broader concept of waste management;
Collaborating with the Government to enforce laws against illegal dumping and littering; and
Engaging communities through robust initiatives designed to drive behaviour change and promote environmental responsibility.
Being open and transparent with communities to allow them to also share their feedback on waste collection in their areas.
Q: Given the keen interest from other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries in the Pomona project, what is your strategy for expanding operations into neighbouring countries?
A: Geo Pomona Waste Management Pvt Ltd is positioning itself to expand its operations across SADC member states. This move follows growing interest from regional governments seeking transformative solutions to waste management challenges. We have identified key target countries where our expertise can address pressing environmental issues while fostering sustainable development.
Geo Pomona sees a unique opportunity in Madagascar to tackle the island nation’s environmental challenges. With its growing waste management needs, Madagascar is poised to benefit from modern, efficient systems that protect its biodiversity and promote sustainability. We visited the country and had productive meetings with different government ministries and the president.
As one of Africa’s most economically stable nations, Botswana is experiencing rapid urbanisation in cities like Gaborone.
This growth has increased the demand for effective waste management solutions, which Geo Pomona is well-equipped to provide.
We also paid a visit to the country to understand their needs.
With a strong focus on environmental sustainability, Eswatini offers fertile ground for the implementation of comprehensive waste management systems. Geo Pomona aims to support the country’s efforts to balance development with ecological preservation.
Further, urbanisation in Lesotho has created significant waste management challenges. Geo Pomona plans to introduce tailored solutions that meet the needs of this landlocked nation while promoting cleaner, healthier cities.
Geo Pomona’s strategy emphasises addressing the unique needs of each country while fostering regional collaboration.
By replicating its success in Zimbabwe, the company hopes to promote sustainable waste management practices across SADC, turning environmental challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. This expansion aligns with Geo Pomona’s mission to set a benchmark in waste-to-energy solutions while enhancing the quality of life across Africa.
With continued support from regional leaders and organisations, the company is well-positioned to drive impactful change in waste management across the continent. As part of our expansion strategy, we are conducting detailed market research studies in each target country to understand local waste management challenges, cultural attitudes towards waste and available infrastructure.
We will also launch pilot projects in collaboration with local authorities or NGOs (non-governmental organisations) to showcase successful outcomes and build trust and credibility.
We are also fostering partnerships with local companies and Government bodies, enabling Geo Pomona to leverage local knowledge and resources. Finally, we endeavour to customise waste management solutions to meet each target country’s specific economic, cultural and infrastructural contexts.
Q: How will Geo Pomona adapt its technologies and business models to suit the specific needs and challenges of different SADC countries, particularly those with varying levels of infrastructure and economic development?
A: Geo Pomona Waste Management plans to create modular waste management systems that can be easily scaled up or down, allowing for flexibility based on the size and needs of different communities. This approach is particularly beneficial for both densely populated areas such as Mbare, ensuring that all communities can access appropriate waste management solutions. To enhance community engagement, the company will implement mobile applications and platforms that facilitate waste reporting and pickup scheduling.
By making these processes more accessible, Geo Pomona aims to empower local residents to participate actively in waste management.
Geo Pomona is pursuing public-private partnership models that will allow the company to share resources and financial risks with governments in target countries.
These collaborations are essential for fostering robust waste management systems that align with national policies and community needs, ensuring that investments yield long-term benefits.The company plans to initiate recycling initiatives and waste-to-energy projects tailored for the local capacities of each region. These programmes not only create jobs but also generate additional revenue streams, supporting economic development while promoting environmental sustainability.
Geo Pomona recognises the importance of local expertise in effective waste management.
The company will provide tailored training programmes for local governments and communities, focusing on best practices in waste management and sustainability.
By building capacity within these regions, Geo Pomona aims to empower stakeholders to take ownership of waste management initiatives.
Q: Are there any potential international partnerships or collaborations that could facilitate Geo Pomona’s expansion into the SADC region and beyond?
A: Geo Pomona Waste Management is actively seeking international partnerships and collaborations to facilitate its expansion into the SADC region and beyond.
As the company aims to implement sustainable waste management solutions across various member states, these strategic alliances are essential for overcoming the challenges of scaling operations and maximising impact.
One of the primary avenues for collaboration are partnerships with international NGOs that focus on sustainability.
These alliances can provide crucial funding and expertise, particularly in environmentally sensitive regions like Madagascar, where innovative waste management solutions are urgently needed. By leveraging the resources and knowledge of established NGOs, Geo Pomona can enhance its project implementation and community engagement efforts. Additionally, the company is exploring joint ventures with established international waste management firms that have extensive experience in the SADC region.
These partnerships would allow Geo Pomona to enhance its operational capabilities, share best practices and benefit from the proven expertise of industry leaders.
Such collaborations can significantly accelerate the deployment of effective waste management systems tailored for the unique needs of each country.
