The First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa has said our state-of-the-art facility was a leading example of effective waste management and waste-to-energy generation.
Speaking at the Southern Africa First Ladies Forum on Environment on Saturday, Dr Mnangagwa said our project utilizes innovative technologies to transform waste to energy, thereby providing sustainable solutions for waste management.
“As the Environment Patron for my country, I wish to commend the Geo Pomona Waste Management team lead by its Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman Dr Dilesh Nguwaya for supporting Government efforts towards environmental sustainability through this transformative project.”
She said it was imperative to address waste management holistically in the SADC region and share best practices to protect the environment.
“Geo Pomona has set the bar very high in terms effective waste management and Public Private Partnerships on environmental sustainability. The tour of this facility will be an opportunity to showcase the transformative impact of using cutting-edge technology in finding innovative solutions to achieve environmental sustainability and economic development,” said the First Lady.
Dr Mnangagwa said Geo Pomona had transformed a large dumpsite into a lush green sporting field and reduced greenhouse gas emissions brought about by burning waste in a world that is being chocked by waste most of which is not bio degradable.
The world, the First Lady said, was experiencing environmental crisis; hence environment protection was a collective duty and all must take responsibility and build resilience.
Dr Mnangagwa appealed to SADC First Ladies to lead in environmental protection and climate friendly waste management.
“We all have to play our part in creating awareness in environmental protection. We have one planet and we owe it to future generations to keep a safe environment,” she said.
In his welcome remarks, Harare Provincial Affairs Minister Charles Tawengwa lauded Dr Mnangagwa for her role in environmental protection initiatives.
“We are gathered here for the launch of the SADC First Ladies Forum on Environment to learn and celebrate milestone on environmental issues. As a province we are honoured to host the First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa, she has played in environmental issues which led to her being appointed the inaugural leader as the SADC Chairperson of Women in Environment in June at this site,” he said.
Tawengwa said our project was the first of its kind in SADC, and the Government of Zimbabwe engaged Geo Pomona to manage waste and minimize the impact of bad waste management.
“A healthy environment is the foundation for economic prosperity, human health and well-being,” he said.
The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Edward Kallon said it was important that First Ladies from the SADC region were gathering to address key environmental issues.
“The challenge of environmental degradation and climate change was a crisis which needed to be addressed. Dr Mnangagwa has shown exemplary leadership in this daunting task with her commendable initiatives. She has mobilised not just her country but 15 First Ladies from the region. I would like to express my gratitude to the First Lady Dr Mnangagwa, Geo Pomona Waste Management in tackling environmental issues,” said Kallon.
Environment and Climate Minister Sithembiso Nyoni said the gathering which was organised by the First Lady Dr Mnangagwa was very important.
“Waste management is very important in our urban areas, and every first Friday of the month President Emmerson Mnangagwa leads the nation in clean-up campaigns. President Mnangagwa sees it well that there is a link between the environment and climate change,” said Minister Nyoni.
