There have been persistent attempts by CCC councillors led
by Mayor Clr Jacob Mafume to scupper projects that are critical in the restoration
of Harare services.
Clr Mafume has embarked on a crusade that seeks to stall
city projects, even when they are good for both the city and nation at large.
A resident, Mrs Evelyn Mbara, said they have been paying
for refuse collection and management of water and solid waste, but the service
from the city of Harare has been shoddy.
“The methane gas emitted (at Pomona dumpsite) is not just
considered waste in greenhouse gas emission, but also fires have been
permanently burning in addition to the nasty smell which has been a problem to
the surrounding inhabitants and passers-by.
“The area has been unsightly for a long time and to make
matters worse, there are families which have been living in and around the
dumpsite with children and the Mayor is turning a blind eye,” she said.
Mr Tafadzwa Mare said the Pomona deal should proceed as
waste management has been a nightmare over the past 20 years.
“The Mayor and his councillors have been told that on the
side of the Government, this matter went through several stages until it was approved
by Cabinet, which is the highest authority in this unitary State of Zimbabwe.
“After going through Cabinet, and having been examined by
the Attorney General, Harare city was then told to sign the agreement with
Geogenix BV.
“Government therefore should not allow this project to be
cancelled due to the mere fact that Mayor Mafume does not like it and because
the venture was signed when he was out of the council,” he said.
Another resident, Mrs Lista Mweke, said the deal should
proceed as it is of critical importance to residents of Harare.
“After Government received communication from the Town
Clerk suspending the lucrative deal, Government through the Minister
responsible for local authorities directed that in terms of the Urban Councils
Act, council should rescind this decision and that Geogenix BV should continue
working on the site.
“This means that suspension can only be done when Geogenix
BV fails to meet its end of the bargain as regards the contract,” she said.
The €304 million Pomona dumpsite waste-to-energy project is
expected to generate up to 22MW of electricity.
Apart from electricity generation, the project is also set
to generate at least 300 jobs, boost economic growth and reduce the country’s
import bill for electricity with the investor already exploring other
investment opportunities in the country. Herald
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