By Staff Reporter
HARARE Mayor ,Adv Jacob Mafume has expressed optimism on Geo Pomona’s capacity to end the City’s rampant waste mayhem as he dismissed fears that the deal could fuel corruption.
Geo Pomona was established in 2022 after a Dutch waste management firm, Geogenix BV, secured a US$350 million waste-to-energy deal with the city.
Responding to the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) fears that the deal could fuel corruption, Mafume instead hailed the arrangement as a lasting solution to the waste crisis.
“Let us be clear, there are certain things that can be done better if we work with the private sector. I do understand that initially, the dump site was an issue of contention, even for me, but if you go there now, the place is clean.
“The place has no smell. The place has been effectively managed. If you remember, we, as the residents or as the city council at that time, said we would not pay, and the payment was done from the central fiscus. They have sorted the place out, and the residents did not have to pay.
“That is a model that seems to work. We might have issues with it, but those are issues that we can address,” said Mafume.
Harare has struggled to manage waste over the years due to a number of challenges, putting residents at a high risk of contracting diseases.
Geo Pomona executive chairperson Dilesh Nguwaya has since assured residents of quality service once they kick off operations.
“Geo Pomona Waste Management has already demonstrated its capability and commitment by transforming (the Pomona) dumpsite into a state-of-the-art, well-managed waste management facility that has garnered regional recognition.
“With this proven track record, we are confident that we can similarly transform Harare into a clean and orderly city. We want to assure the public that we are here to work, and our goal is always to strive for excellence in everything we do. The money that they have been paying for waste collection will not go in vain.
