ILO director hails Zim's waste management revoluti...

ILO director hails Zim's waste management revolution

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Chief Reporter

The Director General of the International Labour Organisation, Mr Gilbert Houngbo, has expressed his admiration for Zimbabwe's iconic Geo Pomona Waste to Energy Project. During his working visit to Zimbabwe, Houngbo toured the facility and praised the country's efforts in adopting modern waste-to-energy management solutions. “I’m impressed by the level of development I have witnessed in this country.

This project signifies the adoption of modern waste-to-energy management solutions in the country and it is for every developing country to copy and use in managing waste,” he said. Mr Houngbo acknowledges that Zimbabwe has faced challenges over the past 20 years, but he remains optimistic about the country's progress.

He emphasised that it's essential to recognise the glass as half full, rather than empty, and that collective efforts are necessary to drive development and reduce poverty. "Coming here in the last 20 years, to be honest, I have seen moments where the situation was challenging. It is not true that I don't see the glass. I do see the glass half full. Not empty. I see progress.

"I think, collectively, if we make that development our business, not government business. It's not the government. The government is there to provide leadership, direction, policy, and create a conducive environment for business development. When there are issues, we sit down through social dialogue and political dialogue to deal with our issues. The country has very good comparative advantages."

The Geo Pomona Waste to Energy Project has been making significant strides in waste management, with several Southern African countries showing interest in replicating the project. The project's CEO and Executive Chairman, Dr Dilesh Nguwaya, revealed that the sorting plant is expected to be completed by January next year.

"As Geo Pomona Waste Management, we feel honoured to receive high profile people to come and see what we are doing in terms of waste management. This shows that we are a champion of waste management in the region and beyond. People are coming to copy what we are doing here, how we manage our waste, how we are going to separate it," he said. "We have just received equipment for the sorting plant.

The other containers are on their way here so that we are able to make sure that by the end of January we finish the installation of the sorting plant." Mr Houngbo's visit to the Geo Pomona facility follows a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa at State House.

The ILO Director General described Zimbabwe as an important partner, highlighting the positive interactions he had with various stakeholders during his visit. The Geo Pomona Waste Management facility has received recognition for its efforts in waste management, including a recent award at the Environmental, Social and Governance ninth Zimbabwe Achievement Awards.