Mnangagwa Appoints Dilesh Nguwaya Special Advisor on Waste Management

By Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Geo Pomona Waste Management executive chairman and chief executive Dr Dilesh Nguwaya as Special Advisor on Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability with immediate effect.

The appointment was announced by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, who said the role would provide the Presidency with direct expert input on national waste management and environmental sustainability issues.

Dr Rushwaya said Zimbabwe was facing increasing environmental pressures driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth and rising waste generation, making effective waste management a national priority.

Under the new role, Dr Nguwaya is expected to advise on waste management policies, contribute to the development of long-term strategies, support public-private partnerships and promote investment in recycling and other green industries. He will also monitor international best practices and recommend measures that can be adopted in Zimbabwe.

The appointment follows Geo Pomona Waste Management’s involvement in the redevelopment of the former Pomona dumpsite through a public-private partnership launched in 2022.

According to Dr Rushwaya, the company has expanded refuse collection services, introduced waste separation programmes, installed skip bins in Harare’s central business district and strengthened recycling initiatives.

Dr Rushwaya also said Dr Nguwaya had led the development of a planned 16 to 22-megawatt waste-to-energy plant, which is expected to supply electricity to the national grid while reducing waste disposal challenges.

The project forms part of Government’s efforts to promote a circular economy and cleaner energy solutions.

Government officials said the appointment was also expected to support employment creation, particularly for young people and women.

Geo Pomona currently employs more than 1,000 workers at the redeveloped Pomona site, which has been transformed from a dumpsite into a modern waste management facility.

Dr Rushwaya said Dr Nguwaya had helped mobilise private sector investment in environmental projects and participated in regional engagements on waste management with countries including Madagascar and Belarus.

Authorities said the appointment was aimed at improving recycling, reducing pollution, strengthening public health and increasing private sector participation in environmental management.

Speaking after the announcement, Dr Nguwaya said he was honoured by the appointment and pledged to support improvements in waste management across the country.

“President Mnangagwa has prioritised environmental protection so that Zimbabweans can live in cleaner surroundings,” he said.

Dr Nguwaya said his focus would now extend beyond Geo Pomona to supporting national waste management initiatives and helping replicate successful waste management models in other cities.