Geo Pomona: OPC Praise, Bulawayo Interest, and ISO...

Geo Pomona: OPC Praise, Bulawayo Interest, and ISO Pursuit

By Nyashadzashe Ndoro - Chief Reporter

Following praise from the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) for its waste-to-energy facility, Geo Pomona Waste Management is simultaneously pursuing ISO certification, a move that aligns with its goal of expanding its environmentally sustainable waste solutions and exploring a partnership to replicate its model in Bulawayo.

The company's chief executive officer and executive chairman, Dilesh Nguwaya, announced the development during a visit by a delegation from the Bulawayo City Council on Thursday.

Nguwaya confirmed that the company has begun aligning its operations with the international standards set by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

He stated, "We are in the first stage, and they are coming here to make sure that every department is in compliance. After that, we will follow all the processes that people from ISO want from Geo Pomona, so we are following that, so that we meet their standards to make sure that we get the ISO certificate."

ISO certification is a globally recognized benchmark for quality, safety, and efficiency. It ensures that a company’s management systems, products, and services meet international standards, which can enhance credibility and operational performance. Geo Pomona has already received FIFA certification for its on-site sports facilities.

The visit by Bulawayo City Council officials, led by Deputy Mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, was part of a familiarisation tour. The delegation expressed interest in replicating the Geo Pomona model in Bulawayo, which has been facing its own solid waste management challenges.

"We are very impressed by the model that we have seen here at Geo Pomona and would be looking at setting up a similar plant in Bulawayo," said Councillor Ndlovu.

The potential collaboration was welcomed by Nguwaya, who stated that Geo Pomona is prepared to support Bulawayo in adopting a similar waste management model.

The Geo Pomona facility on Friday also hosted a high-level delegation from the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) during their Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) week.

Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs, Mrs. Fananai Madambi, described the project as a "learning point" for Zimbabwe and the region.

She praised the project for its tangible results, citing a cleaner environment and its potential to contribute to the nation's energy needs. The tour showcased completed units, including the sorting plant, water treatment plant, and sports facilities, while also noting that the construction of a power plant and a restaurant is currently underway.