Bulawayo council wants Geo Pomona MOU before considering deal

Bulawayo City Council has asked management to obtain a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from Geo Pomona Waste Management for councillors to consider before any decision is made on the company’s proposed involvement in the city’s waste management.

The decision follows a directive by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe for council and Geo Pomona to enter into an agreement within a week to replicate the company’s waste management model at Richmond Landfill, commonly known as Ngozi Mine.

Councillors held an urgent meeting on Monday to consider the minister’s directive.

Speaking after the meeting, Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart said council had asked management to approach Geo Pomona for a draft MOU, which would then be considered by councillors.

“We have noted the directive and asked management to speak to Geo Pomona to obtain a draft MOU for further consideration by Council. We have not set any time limits for this. Once we have the draft MOU back we will meet to consider what it says,” he said.

Coltart’s comments indicate that council has not yet agreed to a partnership with Geo Pomona. Its immediate step is to obtain and scrutinise the proposed agreement before deciding whether to proceed.

The Government’s proposal comes as Bulawayo continues to face challenges with waste collection and disposal, as well as environmental concerns at Richmond Landfill.

Garwe has said Geo Pomona would play a central role in addressing pollution at the landfill, where fumes have raised concerns among residents in surrounding suburbs, including Cowdray Park.

The minister has also proposed the Presidential Bins Scheme, under which companies would provide bins for urban areas to improve waste collection and disposal.

Garwe said Geo Pomona would play a leading role in the initiative as Government seeks to address waste management challenges in Bulawayo and other urban areas.

Geo Pomona has been involved in waste management initiatives in Harare, including the development of the Pomona Waste Management facility.