With illegal dumpsites posing a significant health threat, Harare is at a crossroads in its waste management efforts.
Geo Pomona waste management has stepped in, launching refuse collection under its agreement with the Harare city to take over these essential services.
The company has kicked off operations by focusing on clearing illegal dumpsites, marking the initial phase of a broader waste collection initiative. To date, Geo Pomona has removed 32.8 tonnes of waste from dumpsites in Warren Park, Kambuzuma, Highfield, and Mbare—surpassing the 21.8-tonne target set for February.
The clean-up effort is set to expand to additional suburbs in a phased rollout.While Geo Pomona finalizes the logistics for a full-scale takeover, the City of Harare remains responsible for door-to-door waste collection.
“We are currently in a transitional period, finalising key logistics with the City of Harare. During this transition, Geo Pomona is executing waste collection in a phased approach, starting with the clearing of illegal dumpsites across Harare,” said company CEO Dr. Dilesh Nguwaya.
Dr. Nguwaya emphasized that the company’s strategy prioritizes the removal of illegal dumpsites before implementing a structured waste collection system.
“Our phased approach prioritises the removal of illegal dumpsites, after which we will implement a structured and efficient waste collection system,” he explained.
Residents have expressed their gratitude for the initiative, yet many are calling for consistent door-to-door collection to prevent the re-emergence of dumpsites.
“We cannot thank Geo Pomona enough for the work they are doing because illegal dumpsites have become a real health threat in the community,” said Highfield resident Ms. Christina Madzonga.
“The stench, flies, and mosquitoes coming from the dumpsites are unbearable and causing diseases in children. But we need you to also do door-to-door collection because the illegal dumpsites will resurface since the council is not collecting refuse. We do not know the last time we saw them here.”
Kambuzuma resident Mr. Shepherd Chamanikwa urged his community to support the initiative by adopting responsible waste disposal practices.
“We acknowledge the good work that Geo Pomona is doing, but as residents, we can be more responsible and dispose of waste through other sustainable means,” he said.
As part of its long-term waste management plan, Geo Pomona intends to install waste bins at previously cleared dumpsites, ensuring regular collection to prevent the resurgence of waste dumping.
The question remains: will these efforts be enough to transform Harare’s waste management landscape, or will the cycle of neglect continue?
