A New Era in Waste Management: Geo Pomona Leads The Way

By Ilyana Sithole

Zimbabwe’s commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability impressed SADC leaders during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit break in August. The leaders took a break from discussions to explore innovative solutions in waste management, visiting Geo Pomona Waste Management Private Limited. This tour underscored Zimbabwe’s commitment to modern environmental practices and highlighted the nation’s role in documenting African history through sustainable development.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who led the tour, emphasized the importance of adapting best practices for modernization and industrialization across the SADC region. He noted that the Geo Pomona facility, which generates electricity for the national grid, exemplifies Zimbabwe’s vision for environmentally sensitive waste management. “This facility is not just a model for waste disposal; it represents a sustainable future for our region,” Mnangagwa stated.

Among the regional leaders, President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar was particularly impressed. He quickly extended an invitation to the Geo Pomona team for a week-long stay at the presidential palace, Ambohitsirohita, expressing his eagerness to strengthen ties between Zimbabwe and Madagascar.

The delegation, including Dilesh Nguwaya, Engineer Amos Marawa, and Geo Pomona engineers engaged in discussions with Madagascar’s Minister of Decentralization and Territorial Development, Hon. Naina Andriantsitohaina. They explored solutions for the waste management issues at the Andralanitra dumpsite in Antananarivo, drawing parallels to Zimbabwe’s own challenges before the advent of Geo Pomona’s modern techniques.

During their visit, the team also met with Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons, Hon. Jean Baptiste Olivier, who expressed a keen interest in accelerating Madagascar’s energy development. The minister acknowledged the potential of utilizing waste as an alternative energy source and found the Geo Pomona model particularly insightful. The team also inspired the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, who recognized the job creation and value-adding potential of innovative waste solutions.

The discussions extended to the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, who expressed admiration for the Geo Pomona system. He noted that Zimbabwe’s success in transforming waste into valuable resources could serve as a blueprint for Madagascar. Similarly, Hon. Randrianamelasoa Lalaina, the Minister of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, was inspired by the presentation, remarking that waste can become a resource if managed correctly. He remarked that, seeing beyond the heaps of waste is crucial for their approach to environmental sustainability.

Madagascar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rasata Rasaravavitafika, highlighted the country’s desire to collaborate with Zimbabwe beyond energy and agriculture, noting the positive outcomes of the recently adopted Pfumvunza program. She expressed optimism about expanding avenues of cooperation between the two nations, citing Zimbabwe’s impressive development trajectory.

After a successful week in Madagascar, Geo Pomona’s CEO, Dr. Dilesh Nguwaya, expressed gratitude for the warm reception. He emphasized the need for thorough feasibility research before formalizing agreements. “We must ensure our model fits Madagascar’s unique context,” he noted. Dr. Nguwaya also called on private companies to engage with governments in accelerating development efforts, and he looks forward to presenting sustainable waste management ideas in Botswana and Eswatini.

The visit not only showcased Zimbabwe’s innovative solutions but also paved the way for potential partnerships that could transform waste management practices across the SADC region, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Geo Pomona Waste Management delegation is currently in Botswana. They have met the Botswana Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr Lemogang Kwape and the Permanent Secretary in Botswana’s Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Gaba Gabriella Mogapi. The meetings have highlighted Gaborone’s commitment to working with Geo Pomona and shown their enthusiasm in learning more from the delegation.