The Government of Zimbabwe has announced plans to roll out the Geo Pomona Waste Management model in Bulawayo, marking the next phase in a nationwide strategy to modernize urban waste management and improve service delivery across all 92 local authorities. This initiative aims to replicate the successes seen in Harare and tackle longstanding environmental and public health challenges in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city.
Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, confirmed the move during a high-profile event held in Bulawayo last week. The occasion also featured the launch of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework and the Urban State Land Management Policy, presided over by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Minister Garwe praised the effectiveness of the Geo Pomona model in Harare and expressed optimism that Bulawayo would soon benefit from similar private-sector-driven innovations.
“The Geo Pomona model has proven itself in Harare, and as directed by His Excellency, we are moving to implement this across all local authorities,” said Minister Garwe. “We have already privatised solid waste management, waste collection, and water delivery systems in Harare. Bulawayo is next.”
The success in Harare under the Operation Chenesa Harare campaign was highlighted as a key example of how private sector partnerships could boost waste collection and management. Garwe pointed to the increased volumes of waste safely deposited at the Pomona landfill and the improvements seen in environmental sanitation.
In Bulawayo, the pressing issue is the Richmond landfill, also known as Ngozi Mine, which has for years posed serious environmental hazards including toxic smoke, recurrent fires, and health risks for residents. Minister Garwe indicated that adopting the Geo Pomona model and related private-sector solutions could finally address this persistent crisis.
Bulawayo to Implement Geo Pomona Waste Management Model in Nationwide Urban Revamp
“Waste management is a key component of urban service delivery. We are also focusing on liquid waste management, and by year-end, we plan to invite indigenous Zimbabwean investors to help upgrade services in local authorities,” he added.
Council records reveal that at least a dozen companies have shown interest in a proposed waste-to-energy project at Richmond landfill. This initiative aims to convert Bulawayo’s waste into renewable energy, presenting a sustainable solution to an environmental problem while contributing to the city’s energy needs.
The Geo Pomona project in Harare is recognized as a leading model for modern waste management in Southern Africa. Its facility includes a hazardous waste containment zone and technology designed to generate renewable power, thereby helping Zimbabwe reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The project has attracted visits from SADC Heads of State and delegations interested in implementing similar systems in their countries.
President Mnangagwa, addressing the event, stressed the importance of environmental sustainability and urged all local authorities to prioritize pollution control and urban cleanliness. “I implore you to change the narrative in your councils and tackle challenges related to pollution and environmental degradation,” he said. He called for stricter enforcement against environmental offences like poor waste management and sand poaching, while encouraging rewards for good environmental practices.
He also underscored the role of community awareness campaigns and initiatives such as National Clean-Up Day in fostering collective responsibility for environmental stewardship.
The rollout of the Geo Pomona model in Bulawayo aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, specifically the Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0. These frameworks prioritize sustainable urban development and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
As Bulawayo prepares to adopt this transformative waste management approach, stakeholders see it as a pivotal opportunity to turn a long-standing public health hazard into a renewable energy asset. The project exemplifies the potential of effective public-private partnerships and modern environmental policy to advance Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goals for sustainable and resilient urban growth.
Source- Bulawayo24
