Story by Oleen Ndori
THE chairperson of SADC and President of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has rallied regional countries to unite in building economies that embrace the green energy revolution.
He said this as he addressed visiting Heads of State and Government at the Geo Pomona Waste to Energy project site in Harare this Sunday morning.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa led the tour accompanied by his two deputies, General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Colonel (Rtd) Kembo Mohadi.
Visiting leaders, King Mswati III of Eswatini, Botswana President H.E Mokgweetsi Masisis and President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar were in attendance.
As he addressed the delegates, President Mnangagwa said the project is a critical element in energy production as well as a successful waste management strategy.
“Illegal dumping of waste coupled with the improper disposal of highly hazardous chemicals also exacerbates the risk of negative health and environmental consequences to our people and future generations. For Zimbabwe, this background necessitated the adoption of robust and responsive models that enable local authorities to sustainably manage waste. The establishment of comprehensive frameworks for effective chemical management and disposal of waste for environmental renewal and protection have led to vast innovations, including in the renewable energy space.
“Through the new opportunities availed by my government’s waste management strategy, Geo Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd came in with this investment, partnering with government, the City of Harare and local communities. This waste-to-energy initiative has not only addressed the environmental challenges that were caused by this dumpsite, but once completed, the plant will generate electricity for the national grid,” said President Mnangagwa.
He added that a project like this if replicated elsewhere will prove beneficial in environmental management strategies within SADC and beyond.
“This plant, is a demonstration of the vast potential of strategic innovations, in resolving our day-to-day community and national economic questions, such as power supplies. This project further dovetails with our theme: Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development, towards an Industrialised SADC. The fact that this company is people-centred, with a large pool of youth and women being employed here is commendable.
“Additionally, the waste-to-energy project will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our National Determined Contributions towards climate change mitigation. The electricity to be generated here will significantly complement government efforts to broaden the country’s energy mix through optimal power generation from renewable energy sources.”
King Mswati III of Eswatini said the project was a commendable move which embraces the green energy revolution and also create jobs.
“This is a good project and I commend Zimbabwe for embarking on this project that will push green energy as well as create jobs for the people, that is commendable.”
Geo Pomona Waste Management chief executive officer, Dr Delish Nguwaya expressed satisfaction with the progress made in turning trash into cash.
“We have made notable progress and with continued support from government, more will be achieved,” he said.
The Geo Pomona waste-to-energy project consists of a weighbridge, an encapsulation site, a concrete plant, along with waste-water treatment plant and a sorting plant which when operational will feed the national grid.
