HARARE — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Geo Pomona Waste Management Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dilesh Nguwaya as Special Advisor on Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability with immediate effect, a move the government says will strengthen Zimbabwe’s efforts to improve waste management and environmental protection.
The appointment places Nguwaya in an advisory role to the Presidency on waste management policy, environmental sustainability and public-private partnerships as Zimbabwe seeks to address mounting waste disposal challenges driven by rapid urbanization and population growth.
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr. Martin Rushwaya said the appointment would provide the Presidency with direct access to practical expertise and strategic guidance on waste management and environmental sustainability.
“Waste management has become a critical national priority due to rapid urbanisation, population growth, and increasing environmental challenges,” Rushwaya said in the concept note recommending the appointment.
“Inefficient waste disposal contributes to pollution, public health risks, environmental degradation and missed economic opportunities in recycling and resource recovery.”
Rushwaya described Nguwaya as an experienced environmental and business leader who has overseen the expansion of Geo Pomona’s waste collection services, recycling initiatives and waste segregation programs in Harare.
“Under his stewardship, the company (Geo Pomona) has overseen the expansion of waste collection through door-to-door residential refuse collection, placement of skip bins across the Harare Central Business District, and recycling systems, alongside the introduction of waste segregation and resource recovery programmes,” Rushwaya said.
He said Nguwaya had also overseen development of a planned 16-to-22 megawatt waste-to-energy plant that will feed electricity into Zimbabwe’s national grid while supporting circular economy initiatives.
According to Rushwaya, the appointment is expected to advance a national waste management transformation agenda, encourage greater private sector investment, promote recycling and green industries, and support Zimbabwe’s environmental and climate commitments.
“Dr Dilesh Nguwaya’s proven leadership, expertise, and achievements in waste management and environmental sustainability make him exceptionally qualified to serve as Special Advisor to His Excellency the President,” Rushwaya said.
“His appointment would strengthen national efforts to transform environmental challenges into sustainable development opportunities and contribute significantly to building a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous Zimbabwe.”
Speaking after his appointment, Nguwaya said he was humbled by the President’s decision.
“I feel very honoured by the President; it’s the highest office which honoured me. I didn’t expect this to happen in my life,” he said.
“Not everyone wants to deal with waste; it’s just an industry of managing waste and also protecting the environment.”
“The President has prioritised environmental and waste management because he wants his people to live in a clean environment. This is a befitting honour because I have demonstrated the ability to care for the environment.”
Nguwaya said his new responsibilities would extend beyond Harare as he works to improve waste management across Zimbabwe.
“We want to make sure we meet international standards in terms of waste management and my duty is now to focus on the whole nation, not on Geo Pomona alone,” he said.
“Geo Pomona has revolutionised waste management, dispatching refuse trucks around the City of Harare and sweepers at night bring the shine to the capital city.”
“The President is very happy with the work that has been done by Geo Pomona so far.”
Nguwaya said the company was ready to replicate its waste management model in other cities.
“It is our duty as Zimbabweans to build our nation, the President always says, ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’, and we are ready to play our part.”
“I am going to put more effort into making sure the people of Zimbabwe live in a clean environment,” he said.
The City of Harare also welcomed the appointment, with Mayor Jacob Mafume, councillors, Acting Town Clerk Adv. Warren S. Chiwawa, management and staff issuing a congratulatory message.
The city said its partnership with Geo Pomona had significantly improved refuse collection in the capital.
“The City of Harare and Geo Pomona are in partnership for waste collection and under the leadership of Dr. Nguwaya, the company has done so remarkably well that the President saw it worthy to appoint him to this special position,” the statement said.
The city added that the appointment was “confirmation of well documented evidence of Dr. Nguwaya’s outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing sustainable environmental solutions.”
City of Harare Head of Corporate Communications Stanley Gama also welcomed the appointment, saying he had witnessed the impact of Geo Pomona’s work after joining the local authority, where refuse collection had long been one of its biggest challenges.
“Today, I’m witness to how Geo Pomona has transformed solid waste management in Harare,” Gama said.
He said residents could report any area where garbage was not being collected and “you will see prompt action will be taken.”
Congratulating Nguwaya on his appointment, Gama added: “You deserve it.”
