President Mnangagwa Commissions Refuse Collection Fleet, Signals New Era In Refuse Collection

Harare – Today marked a significant milestone in the urban transformation journey after the President, His Excellency Dr. ED. Mnangagwa officiated at the commissioning of refuse collection vehicles and modern waste management equipment at the Geo Pomona Waste Management site.

The event underscored Government’s renewed commitment to environmental sustainability, urban renewal and service delivery as Zimbabwe accelerates its development agenda under the Second Republic.

Addressing Government officials, City of Harare representatives, Geo Pomona executives and other stakeholders, President Mnangagwa commended the strong collaboration between Government, the local authority and the private sector, describing it as a practical model of partnership that delivers tangible results for citizens.

He said the integrated approach to waste management demonstrated at Geo Pomona was key to addressing Harare’s long standing refuse collection challenges.

The President said the initiative was not merely about equipment but about transforming mindsets and systems. He stressed that a clean city was central to public health, investor confidence and national pride.

According to President Mnangagwa, efficient waste management was a critical pillar in repositioning Harare as a world class city capable of supporting economic growth and improved quality of life for its residents.

“This initiative will transform and reposition Harare as a world class city with an efficient and reliable waste management system, in line with the expansion and growth being witnessed under the Second Republic,” said the President. “Environmental conservation and city beautification are essential to national wellbeing and remain a shared responsibility.”

The commissioned fleet includes refuse collection trucks, compactors and specialised waste handling equipment designed to enhance efficiency, reduce turnaround times and improve coverage across the capital.

The equipment is expected to significantly strengthen Harare’s capacity to collect and process waste, reducing illegal dumping and mitigating environmental and health hazards that have plagued some residential and industrial areas.

President Mnangagwa said the modernisation of waste management infrastructure aligned with Government’s broader urban renewal thrust, which seeks to restore functionality, order and dignity to Zimbabwe’s cities.

He noted that rapid urbanisation required innovative solutions and responsible partnerships to ensure that cities remained livable and environmentally sustainable.

He further praised Geo Pomona for investing in a waste management model that integrates refuse collection, waste sorting, recycling and environmentally compliant disposal.

The President said such investments complemented Government efforts to promote green development, climate resilience and sustainable resource use.

The City of Harare was urged to fully utilise the commissioned equipment and ensure that operational systems were strengthened to deliver consistent and reliable services to residents.

President Mnangagwa said accountability, professionalism and responsiveness were critical if citizens were to regain confidence in local authorities.

Turning to citizen participation, the President reiterated that Government alone could not achieve environmental cleanliness without the active involvement of communities, businesses and institutions.

He said responsible waste disposal, participation in clean up campaigns and respect for public spaces were civic duties that every Zimbabwean must uphold.

In a major policy signal, President Mnangagwa announced the introduction of awards for local authorities that consistently observe National Clean Up Fridays and actively participate in environmental conservation programmes.

He said the awards would recognise excellence, innovation and commitment to cleanliness and environmental stewardship at local government level.

The initiative, he explained, was designed to promote healthy competition among councils and encourage sustained compliance rather than sporadic clean up efforts.

Councils that demonstrate consistency, community engagement and measurable impact would be recognised at national level.

National Clean Up Fridays were introduced as part of Government’s strategy to instil a culture of cleanliness and collective responsibility.

Over time, the programme has grown into a nationwide movement involving schools, churches, businesses, security services and civil society.

The President said the newly launched awards would further institutionalise the programme and reinforce its importance.

Environmental experts attending the commissioning said the developments at Geo Pomona marked a turning point in Harare’s waste management narrative.

For years, the capital struggled with erratic refuse collection, unregulated dumpsites and blocked drainage systems that contributed to disease outbreaks and environmental degradation.

They said the integration of modern equipment with policy support and behavioural change initiatives offered a more sustainable path forward. However, they cautioned that long term success would depend on maintenance of equipment, financial discipline and continued public education.

Residents and business operators welcomed the commissioning, expressing hope that improved refuse collection would enhance sanitation, reduce pollution and improve the city’s image.

Some said a cleaner Harare would boost tourism, attract investment and restore confidence in municipal governance.

President Mnangagwa concluded by reaffirming Government’s commitment to supporting local authorities through policy reforms, capacity building and strategic partnerships.

He said environmental management was inseparable from national development and public health, adding that a clean Zimbabwe was a shared vision that required collective effort.

The commissioning of refuse collection vehicles at Geo Pomona stands as a visible symbol of progress under the Second Republic.

It reflects a broader push to build functional institutions, sustainable cities and a culture of responsibility that places environmental conservation at the heart of national development.

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