United Nations representatives have been greatly impressed by the work we have done in implementing the waste-to-energy project in Pomona, saying this was key in realising Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking after the tour of our site on Friday, UNICEF’s representative Dr Nicholas Alipui said they were in awe of the extensive transformations at the site which happened within a short period.
Dr Alipui said: “We saw how almost impossible the road here was, the mountains and heaps of urban waste accumulated over 15 or 20 years before the transformation happened and we have also been able to witness how within two years it was possible to completely transform the situation with a plan to create social amenities. We have seen basketball courts, tennis courts, and a football field that’s certified by FIFA and we have seen construction for the sorting of wastewater treatment and all kinds of other projects.
“Our hope is, with the kind of change we are seeing, it should be possible to replicate this project in other municipalities and cities of the country as well as expand the outreach to other parts of our continent. We have come out to witness firsthand a transformative, absolutely impressive project here in Pomona, where we are seeing how an insurmountable problem of waste management has been transformed into a development project that is of interest to the community and country at large. I think internationally, it’s a best practice that one can highlight for Zimbabwe.”
Dr Alipui added: “This project here seems to represent that form of transition which will make it possible for us to impact the health of people, economic activity and the quality of life and livelihoods of people as well as create jobs for people, so this speaks to several SDGs.
“Last year we had an international summit in stocktaking of the Sustainable Development Goals which were launched in September 2015 and, shockingly for the world, we were not on track to achieve 15 of the 17 SDGs, which is a setback.”
At Geo Pomona Waste Management, we are on a mission to combat climate change and champion Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. We are committed to collaborating with organisations like the UN to build a greener future for all.
Here’s how we’re making a difference:
Encapsulating Existing Waste: No more harmful emissions! We encapsulate existing waste at our site, preventing further decomposition and the release of potent greenhouse gases like methane.
Stopping Landfill Fires: Landfill fires are a thing of the past at Geo Pomona. By successfully extinguishing them, we have significantly reduced harmful air pollutants.
Biogas Extraction (coming soon!): Get ready for renewable energy! We’re planning to extract biogas, a clean fuel source, from the waste itself. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels for a cleaner future.
Planting Trees: Trees are our natural allies! We are committed to planting trees within the site. These “air filters” absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality.
