President Emmerson Mnangagwa today commissioned the second batch of refuse collection compactors and equipment at Geo-Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd, emphasising the government’s commitment to transforming waste management into an economic and environmental asset.

Speaking at the event in Harare, the President linked the project to the National Development Strategy 2 (2026–2030), particularly under the Agriculture, Food, Climate and Environment priority.

He stated that modernising waste management systems is essential for uniformity in service delivery, environmental compliance, and resource recovery.

“We are not merely unveiling new refuse collection equipment,” President Mnangagwa said.

“We are witnessing the continued growth of a project of strategic significance.”

He praised Geo-Pomona’s role in supporting Harare’s transformation into a “world-class city” through beautification and sustainable environmental programs.

Geo Pomona Waste Management Chief Executive Officer Dr Delish Nguwaya called for stricter enforcement against littering.

He urged authorities to impose penalties on those who discard waste improperly, emphasising that maintaining clean cities requires both investment in equipment and accountability from citizens.

The President also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships and a “Whole of Society Approach” in achieving national development goals.

He pointed to the growing need for advanced waste sorting, recycling, and disposal methods, especially amid rapid urbanisation.

President Mnangagwa announced that awards will be given to top-performing local authorities in observance of the National Clean-Up Day, held on the first Friday of each month.

He encouraged communities to take ownership of clean-up initiatives and uphold environmental stewardship.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including the Vice Presidents, ministers, and the First Lady, as well as representatives from the Harare City Council and the private sector.

Concluding his address, the President declared the new fleet officially commissioned and reaffirmed the national motto: “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo”.

Manicaland Province has brought Dr Paul Tungwarara into the ZANU PF Central Committee, a move viewed as an important boost to the province’s leadership profile.

The appointment, confirmed during a provincial coordination committee meeting, underscores the province’s acknowledgment of Dr Tungwarara’s contributions to national development and his longstanding commitment to party programmes.

Provincial officials described his elevation as both timely and strategic, highlighting his background in business, community initiatives and economic empowerment as assets that will enhance Manicaland’s influence in national policy discussions.

In accepting the new role, Dr Tungwarara thanked the province for its trust and vowed to champion programmes that uplift communities, drive economic activity and promote unity within party structures.

Leaders noted that the co-option is part of broader efforts to strengthen party leadership with individuals dedicated to advancing Zimbabwe’s development trajectory.

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA), in partnership with Friends of the Environment, Nyaradzo Group, the Forestry Commission and other government departments, on Saturday participated in the 16th edition of the annual Walkathon to Ruya High School in Mt Darwin, a campaign aimed at raising awareness on forest preservation and responsible environmental practices.

The event began at Madziwa Secondary School, where walkers embarked on a 21-kilometre journey passing through Mt Darwin town before arriving at Ruya High School. Upon arrival, the agencies led a tree-planting exercise in which more than 500 trees were planted. Students, teachers and the school’s Environment Club took part in the initiative, which is expected to contribute to the restoration of degraded land within the school and surrounding community.

Speaking during the event, EMA officials urged communities to intensify efforts to protect local ecosystems, highlighting the growing threat posed by veld fires, deforestation and other environmentally harmful activities. The Agency emphasised that recurrent veld fires continue to destroy thousands of hectares of vegetation each year, reducing forest cover, threatening wildlife habitats and undermining livelihoods that depend on natural resources.

Officials appealed to villagers, farmers and schools to adopt preventive measures such as creating fireguards, avoiding open burning, reporting fire outbreaks early and participating in tree planting programmes. They stressed that long-term ecosystem preservation requires strong community involvement and a shift towards environmentally conscious behaviour.

The Walkathon, now in its 16th year, is part of a nationwide movement promoting reforestation and environmental stewardship, with organisers hoping that such community-driven efforts will help curb the steady depletion of Zimbabwe’s forests.