Geo Pomona Boss Calls for Tough Action Against Vendors

The Executive Chairman of Geo Pomona Waste Management, Delish Nguwaya, has called on government authorities to take firm action against illegal street vending, warning that the practice is undermining efforts to maintain cleanliness in urban areas.

Nguwaya made the remarks during his appearance at the Parliamentary Thematic Committee on Climate Change, where he was presenting oral evidence on waste management and environmental sustainability.

“Government needs to take decisive action against vendors. We clean during the day, but if you check at night, the whole town becomes a menace. Something really has to be done,” he said.

He explained that while significant progress is being made to keep the city clean during the day, the situation deteriorates at night as informal traders return to the streets.

According to Nguwaya, activities such as roasting maize and selling fresh produce contribute to littering and increased waste in the central business district.

“In the evening, we see vendors roasting maize in town. Removing them is difficult, but right now, if you go into town, you will see Geo Pomona doing tremendous work,” he noted.

Nguwaya added that the persistence of night vending is reversing gains made by waste management teams, making it harder to sustain cleanliness. He stressed that without stricter enforcement and coordinated government intervention, the problem will continue to escalate.

“At times during the night, you see vendors selling tomatoes. We have gone out in the evenings to assess the situation, and we were concerned by what we observed. The government needs to take decisive action,” he said.

His comments come amid growing concerns over urban sanitation, environmental health, and the challenges of regulating informal trading in Zimbabwe’s cities.

Nguwaya reiterated that while waste management efforts are improving, long-term success will depend on stronger policy enforcement and collaboration between authorities and communities.