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Trust Freddy 

Herald Correspondent 

THE Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has been impressed by the ongoing rehabilitation works at Geo Pomona dumpsite in Harare as the conversion of the old dumpsite into a modern garbage plant that will supply power from the methane generated by waste is progressing well.

The project, which has so far created employment for at least 188 people, has moved a gear up with landscaping for a 22 000 square metre area and road tarring already done while landfill encapsulation is on schedule. 

Local Government Minister Winston Chitando yesterday toured the dumpsite and expressed satisfaction with the progress that has been made so far.

The once unsightly dumpsite now has a fresh new look as construction on the recreation area is progressing well with basements for the basketball and tennis courts as well as a parking area having been completed while a basement for the soccer field is now 75 percent complete.

Speaking on the sidelines of the tour, Minister Chitando said the Geo Pomona Company plan completely connected with the Government’s objective of establishing smart cities across the country.

“So this is very impressive from what I have seen and when we talk of Vision 2030, it has so many anchors but one of the anchors for all cities is good waste management,” Minister Chitando said.

“There is now a huge difference, it used to be smelly, fires burning and it was chaotic.”

He was also excited that people would start to benefit from waste that was not being utilised. 

“You have a facility whereby there will be production of renewable energy which will be generated from here. 

“Where we are standing, we do have a recreational facility, soccer fields, basketball, tennis courts and also a restaurant for families to come for an outing”.

The site is expected to generate up to 22MW of electricity while more than 500 people will be employed.

Geo Pomona Waste Management company chief executive Mr Dilesh Nguwaya said the project was moving according to the initial plan.

“The project is in its second year and targets that have been set are being met, with the following having been achieved.

“Weighbridge was installed in February 2023, trucks coming on site to dispose of waste go through the weighbridge and weights are recorded. 

“Details of types of waste, where the waste is coming from, weight of the waste, company disposing of waste, name of driver, truck registration details and time are recorded.”

Mr Nguwaya said there was also a sharp increase in staff complement.

“I am happy to share that this project has seen us create employment, there is a 208 percent increase in staff complement from 61 personnel in January 2023 to 188 personnel in September   2023. 

“Geo Pomona currently employs 113 staff members, whilst 75 are contractors working on site.”

The power station is designed to use solid waste gathered from homes, businesses and industries in Harare.

A 30-year power-purchase agreement (PPA) has been signed between the developers of the power station and ZESA.