Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
HARARE-PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has implored the country’s citizens to embrace a culture of responsible waste disposal and environmental stewardship.
He was speaking at the commissioning of the Geo-Pomona Waste Sorting Plant and refuse collection trucks in Harare this Thursday.
Almost two years after the ground-breaking ceremony, the Geo Pomona Waste to Energy project continues to register milestones towards promoting sustainable waste management in the country.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned and toured the sorting plant which is a symbol of innovation and modernisation towards a clean, health and environmental friendly city.
Besides the sorting plant, the Head of State also commissioned 45 trucks and 100 skip bins which are part of the country’s quest towards efficiency in waste management.
“The responsibility of waste management does not lie with Geo Pomona alone, but it is the duty of every Zimbabwean. As we roll out a modern waste collection system, i urge all residents to desist from illegal dumping. 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,” President Mnangagwa said.
President Mnangagwa said the plant represents critical infrastructure towards generation of between 16 to 22 megawatts of electricity.
“It is of importance to note that waste is not just waste, it is a resource. With this modern sorting facility, recyclable materials can be recovered, re-purposed, and reintegrated into the economy. The Waste Sorting Plant is a critical enabler of the Waste-to-Energy Project, which will soon contribute between 16 to 22 mega-watts of electricity to the national grid. The plant is set to separate and repurpose the requisite waste to energy, a solution that exemplifies innovation and modernisation, which my government continues to advance. Additionally, projects of this nature are contributing to building a green economy, in line with climate action, espoused in the various protocols which Zimbabwe is signatory to,” he said.
The commissioning of the waste sorting plant has coincided with commemorations of World Environment Day under the theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution” which dovetails with the country’s aspirations.
“World Environment Day brings together millions of people across the globe to recommit their shared mission of protecting our environment for the present and future generations. For Zimbabwe, this theme is particularly critical due to the country’s growing plastic waste crisis, which clogs waterways, threatens wildlife and our wetlands, as well as contributes to environmental degradation. As Zimbabwe prepares to host COP 15 on the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar) in July 2025, addressing plastic pollution is essential to safeguarding our wetlands, which are key biodiversity hot spots that support water security, tourism and livelihoods,” the President said.
The Geo Pomona Waste to Energy project cements the confidence that investors have in the obtaining economic environment and the strength of public private partnerships.
