Bulawayo Council: To Review Geo Pomona MOU for Waste Management

• Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe directed Bulawayo Council and Geo Pomona to agree on a waste management model for Richmond Landfill within a week.
• Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart confirmed the council has requested a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from Geo Pomona for review.
• The council has not yet committed to a partnership and has set no specific timeline for considering the proposed agreement.
• The initiative aims to address Bulawayo's significant waste collection and disposal issues, including environmental concerns at Ngozi Mine.
• Geo Pomona has prior experience in waste management projects, including the Pomona facility in Harare, and is slated for a leading role in a national bins scheme.

The Bulawayo Council has not yet committed to any partnership, instead opting to meticulously review a draft Memorandum of Understanding before proceeding with any formal agreement.

The Bulawayo Council has initiated a process to review a potential waste management deal with Geo Pomona, following a direct order from Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe. Minister Garwe had instructed the council and Geo Pomona to finalize an agreement within a week, aiming to replicate Geo Pomona's established waste management model at the city's Richmond Landfill, widely known as Ngozi Mine. This directive prompted an urgent meeting among Bulawayo councillors on Monday to discuss the minister's mandate.

Following the deliberations, Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart confirmed that the council had tasked its management with approaching Geo Pomona to obtain a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This draft document is intended for thorough consideration by the councillors before any further steps are taken. Mayor Coltart explicitly stated that the council has not imposed any specific timeframes for this review process, emphasizing a deliberate and careful approach to the proposed partnership.

The government's push for this Bulawayo waste management deal comes amidst persistent challenges faced by the city in waste collection and disposal. The Richmond Landfill, or Ngozi Mine, has been a particular point of concern due to environmental issues, including noxious fumes that have significantly impacted residents in surrounding areas, such as Cowdray Park. Minister Garwe has publicly articulated his belief that Geo Pomona would play a pivotal role in mitigating the pollution at this critical site.

Beyond the immediate concerns at Ngozi Mine, Minister Garwe also outlined a broader strategy for urban waste management, proposing the Presidential Bins Scheme. Under this initiative, private companies would supply bins to urban centers to enhance waste collection and disposal efficiency. Geo Pomona is envisioned to take a leading role in this scheme, reflecting the government's broader ambition to tackle waste management challenges not only in Bulawayo but across other urban areas as well. Geo Pomona brings relevant experience to the table, having been involved in waste management initiatives in Harare, including the development of the Pomona Waste Management facility.

Mayor Coltart's statements underscore that the Bulawayo Council has not yet formally agreed to any partnership with Geo Pomona. Instead, the immediate focus is on securing and meticulously scrutinizing the proposed agreement. This deliberate approach highlights the council's intent to fully understand the terms and implications of the Bulawayo Council Geo Pomona MOU before making a definitive decision.

The council's decision to request a draft MOU, rather than immediately entering into an agreement, signals a commitment to due diligence. There is no set deadline for when the draft MOU must be returned or when the councillors will reconvene to discuss its contents, allowing for comprehensive internal review. This measured response indicates that while the council acknowledges the ministerial directive and the pressing need for improved waste management, it prioritizes careful evaluation over hasty commitment to the Geo Pomona Richmond Landfill project.

Lawyers advising Geo Pomona or Bulawayo Council should note that the proposed waste management partnership is still in the preliminary MOU review stage, indicating ongoing negotiation and potential for changes before a final agreement. Compliance officers should monitor the outcome for implications on waste management regulations and potential future tenders in Bulawayo.

Source: Original reporting via local news reports