First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has applauded Geo Pomona Waste Management Private Limited for the successful commissioning of the waste-to-energy plant in Harare as Zimbabwe moves to ensure clean environments.
Dr Mnangagwa was speaking at a weekend function in Maputo, Mozambique during the launch of “Zero Waste Management”.
Dr Mnangagwa said: “Waste management is an area that we have seen the private sector taking a keen interest. A successful example is the recently commissioned Geo Pomona waste-to-energy project in Harare, a first-of-its-kind in Zimbabwe that is expected to enhance the cleanliness of the city while providing electricity to the national grid.”
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the invitation extended to me for this wonderful and equally important event. Ladies and gentlemen, we agree that over the years, the volume of waste that has been generated has exponentially increased as urbanisation and industrialisation inevitably accelerates on our continent,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa went on: “In response to this contemporary challenge, Zimbabwe has developed various plans and strategies as the Government moves to ensure the country has sustainable environmental management and waste disposal systems.
“Further and to inculcate the culture of cleanliness, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr ED Mnangagwa declared the first Friday of each calendar month a national clean-up day.
“Through this important intervention, we have seen remarkable results as the programme has become entrenched into our culture. Our national stakeholders, including corporates, have incorporated the day into their annual work calendars in support of Government efforts on waste management.”
The First Lady said the Zimbabwe Government was championing the involvement of the private sector in economic development of the country as espoused in Zimbabwe’s development blueprint, the National Development Strategy 1.
“In the same vein, there is need to get our young people involved in waste management and recycling as means of creating the much-needed employment as well as assisting local authorities in their endeavours. Your Excellences, ladies and gentlemen, the significance of zero waste tolerance is premised on advocacy for improved waste management systems that encourage responsible waste disposal and recycling,” she said.
“We, therefore, advocate for law reforms in local governance to ensure transparency and accountability for improved service delivery.”
Dr Mnangagwa said it was important for governments, local authorities, private sector and citizens to collaborate to raise awareness around solid waste management and good environmental stewardship.
“Indeed, for zero waste tolerance to be a resounding success, it requires everyone to play their part, from governments to local authorities, private sector and citizens,” she said.
Geo Pomona Waste Management Private Limited Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman Mr Dilesh Nguwaya said the company was focused on providing first-class waste management systems in Zimbabwe.
Nguwaya spoke soon after his return from a business trip in Italy.
