The City of Harare has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable environmental management. This came out of a Parliamentary Thematic Committee on Environment Management meeting at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden today. The meeting brought together officials from the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, and the City of Harare to discuss strategies aimed at strengthening environmental protection, enhancing climate resilience, and improving service delivery through sustainable waste management. Acting Town Clerk Dr. Addmore Nhekairo highlighted that the City's Public-Private Partnership with Geo Pomona Waste Management Private Limited, is a transformative initiative designed to address decades of environmental degradation associated with the former Pomona dumpsite. Dr. Nhekairo said the project is helping transition Harare from traditional waste dumping to a modern, engineered waste management system that promotes environmental sustainability, public health, and resource recovery. While acknowledging the progress made, Dr. Nhekairo identified illegal dumping as one of the biggest obstacles to effective waste management. He welcomed the Government's decision to grant Local Authorities municipal police arresting powers saying this will strengthen compliance with environmental by-laws and help curb littering and illegal dumping. He expressed confidence that stronger enforcement, combined with public awareness and stakeholder collaboration, will contribute to cleaner, safer, and more sustainable urban communities.
