Story by Tichaona Kurewa
AS part of efforts to transform the Wetland City of Victoria Falls into a smart city, the local authority is engaging Geo Pomona Waste Management Company to explore a possible partnership in waste management.
At the heart of Zimbabwe’s prime tourism hub, Victoria Falls is facing growing pressure to address its mounting waste management challenges.
With limited equipment, an overstretched collection fleet, and increasing urban development, the city is now turning to private-sector innovation, under the government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
“The most critical challenge is the waste management itself. We need an engineered landfill and systems that protect our environment and enhance public health. We need partners who can bring their expertise. We are responding to the call by our Minister of Local Government, encouraging all local authorities to work with Geo Pomona. As a wetland city and a key tourist destination, it is imperative that we have a sound waste management system in place,” Wetland City of Victoria Falls’ Town Clerk, Mr Ronnie Dube noted.
Geo Pomona Waste Management Company has expressed its readiness to deliver a customised solution for Victoria Falls, similar to the transformation of the Pomona site in Harare into a modern, internationally compliant waste management facility.
“As Geo Pomona, we have the solution. This is a centre of attraction for tourists, and it needs to be clean to protect visitors from diseases like cholera and typhoid. We are ready to collaborate with the City of Victoria Falls and offer a comprehensive solution, including waste-to-energy systems that could generate up to four megawatts of electricity,” the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman, Mr Delish Nguwaya stated.
If successful, the partnership will not only clean up one of Zimbabwe’s iconic destinations, but also turn its waste into a valuable resource, aligning with the smart city vision and the government’s newly launched service delivery framework.
