Arron Nyamayaro
WASTE is now a valuable commodity that will improve overall sanitation and hygiene in Harare, says President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa said this yesterday while officially opening the GeoPomona Waste Management and ground breaking ceremony.
“It is my pleasure and honour to have been invited to tour and officiate at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Pomona Waste to Energy flagship project for the City of Harare and the surrounding areas,” said President Mnangagwa.
“This project serves as testament to my Government’s commitment to seeing communities transform to world-class standards, where residents enjoy the ambiance of modern built environments.
“It also marks the beginning of a new era in the restoration of our Sunshine City, distinguished by clean environments and friendly communities.
“The journey to Vision 2030 and realisation of the aspirations under our National Development Strategy is multi-pronged.
“To this end, my Government welcomes the participation of the private sector stakeholders towards accelerating our country’s economic growth and the provision of world-class services.
“The Geo-Pomona Waste-to-Energy Project highlights the confidence investors have in the conducive business environment which has been fostered by the Second Republic.
“Further, it attests to the positive results that can be derived from mutually beneficial partnerships between the public and private sectors.
“It is commendable that under the Build-Own-Operate and Transfer joint venture model, the project will see the construction of a waste-to-energy plant which will produce 22 megawatts of electricity.
“Once on the national grid, this energy output will go a long way towards augmenting our national energy mix.
“I congratulate and commend the Board and Management of Geo-Pomona (Pvt) Ltd for this innovation and complementing Government efforts in the energy sector.
“Well done,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said the Government is committed to creating employment and empowerment opportunities for women and the youth.
“I am pleased to note that this Geo-Pomona Project has a staff complement which includes this important demographic.
“The undesirable landfills, including the resultant ground and air pollution, should now cease to be a public, health and environmental challenge.
“More importantly, the conversion of waste into energy remains a critical component of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and thus, an important intervention with regards to climate change mitigation.
“Meanwhile, the envisaged benefits to be generated under this project must give impetus to all parties in the project, such as the Environmental Management Agency, to consolidate existing activities and build capacity with regards to ensuring sustainability in waste disposal and management,” said President Mnangagwa.
He challenged City of Harare for leaving uncollected garbage in the Central Business District.
“Mayor of Harare, Councilor Ian Makone, unganidzai marara muchiziva kuti mumarara munemagetsi.
“Kare taipfuura takabata mhuno paPomona asi iyezvino unototenga machips mutown ukauya kuzodyira pano,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged families to begin keeping the nation tidy by cleaning their homes.
FACTBOX
The project has so far created employment for at least 188 people, has moved a gear up with landscaping for a 22 000 square metre area, and road tarring already done while landfill encapsulation is on schedule.
The site is expected to generate up to 22MW of electricity while more than 500 people will be employed.
The Geo Pomona Waste management project was consummated between City of Harare and Geogenix BV in 2022. It was approved by cabinet after ZIDA approval processes.
The project has 5 components:
- Construction of waste to energy 22MW of electricity feeding into the grid.
- Construction of urban waste land fill
- Urban waste recycling and stabilisation plant
- Waste water treatment plant
- Recreational facilities
These are critical components that build HEs clarion call and call to action on Local Authorities.
This is in line with SDGs
SDG3: ensure healthy lives.
SDG7: Affordable and clean energy- 22 Mega watts of electricity feeding into the national grid
SDG9: innovation and science to leapfrog and catch up with the rest
SDG11: Sustainable cities and communities. Important component of HEs call to Action.
SDG13: Climate Action, less emissions, no more fire outbreaks and less damage to the ozone
SDG17: Partnerships and Collaborations to achieve the goals. Government through the Whole of Society and Whole of Economy Approach. Here, Government, Local Authority and Pvt sector are coming together for a noble cause.
These are Vision 2030 elements and at this pace we stand a chance to achieve the aspirations of vision 2030 agenda.
*Factbox via Information Secretary, Nick Mangwana