By Nigel Pfunde
HARARE-Government must take decisive action against vendors polluting Harare’s Central Business District, Geo Pomona Waste Management CEO and Executive Chairman Dr Dilesh Nguwaya told Parliament on Monday without mincing his words.
Dr Nguwaya was addressing the Thematic Committee on Climate Change, which is currently conducting an inquiry into _Waste Management Practices in Zimbabwe and their Implications for Climate Change Mitigation and Environmental Sustainability_.
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“Government must take decisive action against vendors in Harare CBD,” Dr Nguwaya said. “Illegal dumping by vendors is undoing the work being done at Pomona to clean the city and cut greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Committee said it is particularly interested in how organic waste is processed and managed, and how such processes reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable waste management.
Dr Nguwaya said Geo Pomona cleans the city at night and wee hours of the morning but some vendors evem braiii maize on the streets and he pleaded with council to enforce its by-laws.
In its briefing, the Committee noted that “landfills are among the largest human-related sources of methane emissions globally.” It added: “Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and a major climate pollutant that significantly contributes to global warming. Organic waste disposed of in landfills decomposes anaerobically and generates methane, making improved waste management practices an important component of climate change mitigation.”
Dr Nguwaya said Geo Pomona’s waste-to-energy plant was built to process organic waste, capture methane, and generate electricity in line with national climate targets. However, continued dumping of organic waste on streets and open spaces meant methane was being released into the atmosphere instead of being harnessed.
“When waste is dumped illegally, we lose the chance to convert it into energy and we increase emissions. This derails national efforts to mitigate climate change,” he said.
He called for coordinated enforcement between the City of Harare, Environmental Management Agency, and law enforcement agencies to stop illegal vending and dumping in the CBD.
Dr Nguwaya said Geo Pomona is investing in sustainable waste management, but decisive action is needed to protect those gains.
The Committee is gathering submissions from waste operators, local authorities, and environmental experts as part of its inquiry. Findings will inform recommendations to Government on strengthening waste management and climate mitigation.
Government has made waste management a priority under National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030, with emphasis on modern, sustainable cities.
