The Kwekwe Town Council has officially resolved to enter a strategic partnership with Geo Pomona Waste Management to overhaul the city’s waste disposal systems. This landmark collaboration is set to transform the management of Kwekwe’s two primary dumpsites—including the major site near the Amaveni suburb—marking a decisive shift from traditional “dump-and-forget” methods toward a sustainable, high-tech environmental model.
The resolution was finalized following a high-level familiarization tour of the waste-to-energy facility in Harare by a delegation of Kwekwe councillors and management. Having observed the transformation of a previously notorious dumpsite into a world-class industrial hub, the council moved swiftly to adopt a similar blueprint for the Midlands’ industrial centre. The goal is to move away from archaic disposal methods that have long posed risks to both the environment and public health.
Under the new partnership, the city will receive specialized technical guidance and oversight to stabilize and rehabilitate its disposal sites. Key interventions include:
- Weighbridge Installations: To accurately track and record waste volumes for data-driven management.
- Advanced Sorting Plants: To systematically segregate recyclables from organic matter, reducing the total volume of waste that requires burial.
- Methane Management: Implementing systems to capture and manage gases, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of the city’s waste.
This structured approach is designed to mitigate the recurring health risks and environmental hazards associated with open-air dumping, which has historically plagued residents in high-density areas. The project will stabilize the internal climate of the landfills, effectively eliminating the frequent subterranean fires and toxic smoke that characterize unmanaged sites.
Leadership within the council emphasized that the deal is a necessity for the city’s continued growth. The partnership affirms a commitment to providing a cleaner and healthier environment for residents while aligning with the national Vision 2030 agenda.
Beyond the dumpsites, the modernization of waste services will eventually lead to enhanced household collection. Future plans include providing residents with color-coded bins to encourage waste separation at the source, fostering a culture of recycling within the community.
As operational modalities are finalized, Kwekwe residents can look forward to a cleaner city and a more resilient waste infrastructure that sets a new standard for the Midlands province. The project stands as a model for how local authorities can leverage private-sector expertise to solve long-standing municipal challenges.