By Correspondent
President Mnangagwa over the weekend toured the GeoPomona Waste Management in a clear sign the project is here to stay.
He was joined by King Mswati III of Eswatini, Presidents Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana and Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar.
Meanwhile the Southern Africa First Ladies Forum on Environment was also held at the Geo Pomona Site.
While Harare Council has weakly tried to stand by its Full Council resolution against the deal it hasn’t worked.
Progress Amidst Opposition
Already, a new concrete batch plant has been installed.
The plant has the capacity to produce 60 cubic meters of concrete per hour and will initially be used to produce the 20,000 cubic meters needed for the project.
Once the facility is complete, the plant will be used to produce concrete for sale to other projects.
The delegation also toured the engineered landfills, which are designed to safely dispose of solid waste.
These landfills are lined to prevent groundwater contamination and feature layers of waste that are compacted and covered for final disposal.
Meanwhile civil society has vainly come out against the contrived endorsement engineered through the tour.
The members said they are, “gravely concerned by continuous efforts to give unnecessary life to the Geo-Pomona Waste Project through the visit by SADC Heads of States.
Shocking Financial Payments
The deal, signed in 2022 has some shocking numbers which will financially cripple council.
Harare is expected to pay USD40,000.00 per day and accompanying interest as contained on Clauses 22 and 23(4) respectively.
The city is obligated to supply a minimum of 750 tonnes per day and pay Geogenix USD30,000 per day this year.
In 2025 the city is obligated to supply 850 tonnes of waste to Geogenix and pay USD34,000 per day.
In 2026 the city is obliged to supply 1000 tonnes of waste per day and pay USD40000 per day.
Strangely a clause in the agreement prohibits contesting amounts payable to Geogenix based on the daily minimum quantities of waste established.
“These minimum quantities weigh above the capacity of the city when it comes to daily delivery at Pomona.
“This is the burden that the city is carrying and SADC cannot come here to preside over projects that are even contested in the courts as we speak.
However, with President Mnangagwa celebrating the project as a crown jewel it’s clear Harare has to play ball.
“This waste-to-energy initiative has not only addressed the environmental challenges that were caused by this dumpsite.
“The plant, once completed, will generate electricity for the national grid,” Mnangagwa said.
Thus the options for Harare are limited and all involve playing ball.
