From dumpsite to doctorate: Nguwaya earns recognit...

From dumpsite to doctorate: Nguwaya earns recognition

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Geo Pomona Waste Management Pvt Ltd Chief Executive Officer, Dilesh Nguwaya, has been conferred with an honorary degree by the International Institute of Philanthropy.

Dr Nguwaya was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at a ceremony in Harare yesterday by IPP country representative, Dr Enrico Maverick, who led the proceedings.

Speaking during the conferment ceremony, Dr Maverick said the doctorates celebrate those with dedication to making a positive impact on the world.

Dr Maverick said IIP is a global network of individuals who believe that individuals should be celebrated for contributions that they make to humanity.

“You do not sit for an exam to get an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, neither do you apply. We find you. Hence, the criteria we use is the story of your life.

“Whatever that you do within the community in which you live, the difference that you make is what we recognise and hence that is then we then come up with how an individual gets conferred with the doctorate,” he said.

Dr. Nguwaya could not hide his joy for the recognition of his works.

“I deserve this honour because we worked hard at the Pomona dumpsite, transforming it from a hazardous place. When Geo Pomona took over, we transformed the place to become a liveable place where everyone can come and dine,” he said.

“There was no development at the dumpsite, but when we took over from the City of Harare, we transformed the place to become an international waste management site.

Geo Pomona Waste Management is undertaking a transformation project at the Pomona dumpsite. The once unpleasant dumpsite is being converted into a world-class waste-to-energy facility. The innovation is considered by the government as an approach not only addresses waste management but also aims for sustainable development.

The project goes beyond just waste management. It also includes the creation of recreational facilities like football, tennis, and basketball pitches. Additionally, a state-of-the-art restaurant is planned, offering a unique dining experience.

The commitment to quality is evident in the recent Fifa certification of the football pitch. Cemil Nadir Sahin, a representative from the international football governing body, personally tested and approved the pitch for official use. He also praised Geo Pomona’s dedication to sustainable development, highlighting the project’s positive impact.