VP Chiwenga emphasises waste management in urban council budgets

HARARE – Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has called on all urban councils to prioritize waste management in their budgets and intensify their efforts to keep towns and cities clean in accordance with the law.

VP Chiwenga made these remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Pomona Waste to Energy flagship project for Harare and its surrounding areas, with President Mnangagwa as the guest of honour.

Chiwenga’s call is in response to health concerns stemming from poor hygiene and the potential for disease outbreaks, such as cholera, due to inadequate waste management.

In recent times, local urban authorities, in particular, have faced scrutiny for their failure to fulfil their service delivery mandate, especially in waste management, which has exposed communities to health risks.

“It is pleasing to note that all the litter and solid waste from the City of Harare shall be put to good use,” said VP Chiwenga.

“Government urges all our urban councils who are neglecting their statutory role of waste collection to scale up efforts and keep our cities clean as espoused by the President.

“In that regard, he has challenged local authorities to prioritise waste management in their budgets to enhance service delivery.”

The govt under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, has declared a zero-tolerance policy for litter to maintain clean cities and a clean environment.

As part of this effort, the President introduced the national clean-up campaign, observed on the first Friday of each month.

The Pomona project will transform an old dumpsite into a modern garbage plant that generates power from waste.

VP Chiwenga expressed his belief that such projects will drive progress towards Vision 2030 and contribute to the President’s vision of an empowered upper-middle-income society.

VP Chiwenga also noted the success of public-private partnerships, where the government creates an enabling environment for private sector-led economic growth.

The Geo-Pomona Waste Private Limited, responsible for the waste rehabilitation program, has employed nearly 200 local residents.

This initiative not only promotes a cleaner Harare but also generates power and creates employment opportunities.

The groundbreaking ceremony signifies the commitment to transforming towns and cities to meet global standards while focusing on a cleaner and healthier environment.

President Mnangagwa attended the event as the guest of honor, underlining the government’s dedication to the development of projects that enhance environmental and economic sustainability.