Mnangagwa Highlights Synergies as Solution to Urban Waste Challenges

President Mnangagwa has emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between local authorities and the private sector to improve waste management and create cleaner cities across Zimbabwe.

Addressing guests at the commissioning of the second phase of refuse collection equipment by Geo Pomona Waste Management in Harare yesterday, the President said partnerships of this nature should form part of the country’s wider urban development plans to ensure consistent and efficient service delivery nationwide.

He said Government remains committed to improving service provision across all local authorities, in line with the Agriculture, Food, Climate and Environment pillar under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

President Mnangagwa noted that waste management facilities must now be upgraded, modernised and supported by appropriate technologies to meet growing urban demands.

Referring to the recently launched NDS2 (2026–2030), he said the strategy outlines key national priorities that will guide development over the next five years.

The newly commissioned fleet includes 25 compactor trucks, 16 tipper trucks, 10 skip trucks, five street sweepers, two excavators and two spinner trucks.

He said the commissioning marked more than the introduction of equipment, but reflected the steady expansion of a project that plays a strategic role in achieving several NDS2 objectives.

According to the President, such initiatives promote better use of resources, environmental rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration, while supporting biodiversity conservation, soil improvement, renewable energy adoption and green economic growth.

He commended Geo Pomona Waste Management for its focus on sustainable environmental solutions, saying the progress achieved so far demonstrates operational discipline and alignment with national development goals.

President Mnangagwa urged authorities to ensure that cities, towns, growth points and municipal areas project a positive national image through cleanliness, beautification and sustainable waste practices.

He said Zimbabwe’s recent recognition as the world’s best country to visit in 2025 should be safeguarded by maintaining clean and healthy environments.

“A clean environment strengthens our national brand and enhances Zimbabwe’s appeal as an investment and tourism destination,” he said, adding that coordinated environmental protection efforts have positioned the country as a credible green-compliant nation.

The President said the Geo Pomona facility complements Government’s efforts to transform Harare into a modern, world-class city through integrated environmental management programmes.

He praised the partnership involving the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the City of Harare and Geo Pomona, saying it demonstrated the effectiveness of a Whole-of-Society approach to national development.

President Mnangagwa further stressed that cooperation between local authorities and private players must be mainstreamed into urban planning frameworks to ensure wider benefits, including job creation, energy generation, improved public health, climate resilience and sustainable urban growth.

He said waste management systems should evolve from being a financial burden for councils into productive economic and environmental value chains, supported by advanced sorting, recycling and disposal technologies.

As Zimbabwe continues to experience rapid infrastructure development, industrial growth and urban expansion, the President said sustainable waste management strategies were now more critical than ever to reduce environmental risks.

He challenged local authorities and communities to strengthen participation in the National Clean-Up Day, held on the first Friday of every month, announcing that awards would be introduced to recognise outstanding performance.

“We must all take responsibility for protecting our environment as we modernise and industrialise our country,” said the President, urging citizens to embrace environmental stewardship.

The Acting Minister of Local Government and Public Works said the commissioning of the trucks marked another step towards achieving national development targets, including Vision 2030.

Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume welcomed the initiative, saying waste management was a shared responsibility that transcends political differences and requires cooperation between Government and the private sector.

Geo Pomona Waste Management reaffirmed its commitment to improving waste collection services in Harare, noting that the new equipment would further enhance efficiency.

Harare Province’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution commended the Second Republic for its developmental focus and applauded Geo Pomona for contributing to the improved environmental condition of the metropolitan province.