By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Geo Pomona Waste Management chief executive and executive chairman Dr Dilesh Nguwaya as his Special Adviser on Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability, tasking him with helping shape national policy on one of Zimbabwe’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The appointment, announced by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, comes as Zimbabwe seeks to improve waste collection, expand recycling and promote waste-to-energy projects in response to mounting environmental and public health concerns.
Geo Pomona welcomed the appointment in a statement Tuesday, describing it as recognition of Nguwaya’s leadership in the waste management sector.
“This distinguished appointment is a testament to Dr. Nguwaya’s exceptional leadership, visionary approach, and unwavering commitment to transforming Zimbabwe’s waste management sector,” the company said.
Geo Pomona added that under Nguwaya’s leadership it had promoted sustainable waste management, resource recovery and circular economy initiatives, while positioning itself as “a strategic partner in national development, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience.”
Nguwaya’s responsibilities as the special adviser to waste management will include supporting the formulation of national waste management strategies, promoting public-private partnerships, attracting investment into recycling and green industries, and advising on the adoption of international best practices.
Zimbabwe over the recent years has faced mounting waste management challenges driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth and inadequate waste disposal systems, which have contributed to pollution, public health risks and lost economic opportunities in recycling and resource recovery.
Speaking after his appointment, Nguwaya described the new role as an honour.
“I feel very honoured by the President; it’s the highest office which honoured me. I didn’t expect this to happen in my life,” he said.
He added that his focus would now extend beyond Harare.
“We want to make sure we meet international standards in terms of waste management and my duty is now to focus on the whole nation, not on Geo Pomona alone.”
Geo Pomona has operated the former Pomona dumpsite under a public-private partnership since 2022 and is developing a waste-to-energy facility that it says will generate between 16 and 22 megawatts of electricity for the national grid while reducing the volume of waste sent to landfill.
Waste management remains one of Zimbabwe’s major environmental challenges, with many local authorities struggling to maintain regular refuse collection because of ageing equipment, financial constraints and growing urban populations.
Environmental experts have increasingly called for stronger recycling programmes, waste separation at source, investment in modern landfill infrastructure and greater collaboration between central government, municipalities and the private sector to improve sanitation and reduce pollution.
Government has also identified waste-to-energy projects and circular economy initiatives as part of broader efforts to improve environmental sustainability, create green jobs and diversify electricity generation, although the long-term success of such programmes will depend on sustained investment, effective regulation and stronger participation by local authorities and communities.
