Story by Peter Chivhima
THE Geo Pomona Waste-to-Energy Plant continues to attract regional and international interest, with Ghana being the latest nation to explore the model of sustainable waste management and clean energy production.
A delegation from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College’s Senior Command and Staff Course Number 46 toured the Geo Pomona Waste Management Private Limited site in Harare this Tuesday.
The visit was aimed at providing the delegation with insights into the scope of the model waste-to-energy plant.
“We are students from Ghana and today we are here for a visit as well as to appreciate this waste-to-energy plant. We are impressed that Geo Pomona is taking interest in promoting clean energy,” Ghana Air Force, Squadron Leader, Elizabeth Fadilatu Salifu said.
“Zimbabwe has taken a significant step by entrusting the Geo Pomona waste-to-energy plant with the responsibility of waste collection. This initiative is expected to go a long way in protecting the environment while promoting the production of clean energy,” the Dean for the Ghana Armed Forces Command College, Dr Napoleon Kurentin said.
“The theme behind our visit to Zimbabwe focuses on climate change and its impact on national development. This tour has truly been an eye-opener. Visiting this facility has completely changed my perception of waste management. What I have seen here is remarkable, waste is not just waste, it’s a resource, it is money. This is a model that should be replicated across Africa,” the Commander of the Ghana Armed Forces Command College, Major General Mattew Essien said.
Geo Pomona Waste Management Private Limited Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairperson, Dr Dilesh Nguwaya briefed visitors on the site’s transformation from being a dumpsite to being a major waste-to-energy project.
“We are going to construct a state-of-the-art waste-to-energy plant. In June we are going to start another major process here. We have transformed this place to bring it where it is today. Before we came the site was a home to squatters but they have since been taken to safe homes by the government. We have also managed to construct the state of art sports facilities including a football pitch which is recognised internationally. We want to encourage everyone to protect our environment,” he said.
Since its inception, the Geo Pomona Waste-to-Energy plant has garnered significant attention from various stakeholders, including companies, organisations and diplomats, highlighting its role as a model for sustainable waste management and energy production.
Upon completion, the plant is expected to process 1 000 tonnes of waste daily and generate up to 22 megawatts of power, which will be fed into the national grid.
