By Bigboy Madzivanzira
Harare’s streets are looking cleaner, and residents are breathing easier, thanks to the remarkable work of Geo Pomana Waste Management.
Since taking over refuse collection, the company has cleared tens of thousands of tonnes of waste — about 34,417 tonnes in just 18 days and a daily haul of 1,500-2,000 tonnes, with a peak of 2,004 tonnes on 11 February 2025. Their fleet of 56 specialized vehicles (compactors, skip trucks, sweepers) and over 400 street sweepers have transformed waste management efficiency across suburbs and the CBD.
Residents in areas like Kuwadzana, Crowborough, and Warren Park report safer, cleaner streets with fewer illegal dump sites. For a Public Health Practitioner, this improvement is more than aesthetic — it’s life-saving. With waste properly collected and disposed of, Harare is likely to see a decline in diseases linked to poor sanitation, such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrheal illnesses. Clean streets also reduce vector breeding sites for mosquitoes and rodents, cutting down on malaria and leptospirosis risks.
In the past, I have written extensively on the problems of pamper disposal and sewage in cities, highlighting how improper disposal of diapers and poor sewage management contribute to blocked drains, environmental pollution, and public health hazards.
Seeing Geo Pomana step in with systematic waste collection and disposal brings hope that these long-standing issues can finally be addressed. Their work not only tackles general refuse but also helps mitigate the risks posed by improperly discarded pampers and other hazardous waste, which often end up in drains and waterways, worsening sanitation challenges.
Beyond city-wide cleaning, attention must also be given to secluded areas where street kids sleep. These spaces often become messing points, creating health risks for both the children and surrounding communities. To prevent this, several measures can be taken:
Regular Clean-up Campaigns:
Organize community clean-up initiatives in collaboration with local authorities, NGOs, and waste management companies like Geo Pomana to keep these areas clean.
Provision of Sanitation Facilities:
Advocate for and support the provision of public toilets and waste disposal points near areas frequented by street kids.
Awareness and Education:
Conduct awareness programs for street kids on hygiene and proper waste disposal, and engage community members to support and protect these areas.
Outreach Services: Support
Organizations working with street kids to provide them with basic needs, shelter, and rehabilitation, reducing their need to sleep in secluded areas.
Community Engagement:
Encourage local communities to take ownership of public spaces, reporting and addressing messing issues promptly.
Collaboration with Local Authorities:
Work with city councils to enforce by-laws on waste management and public health, ensuring secluded areas are monitored and maintained.
As a Health Promotion Practitioner, I have also been a strong advocate for persons with disabilities, working to ensure their inclusion in health and sanitation programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I designed sanitizer attachments for wheelchairs, enabling persons with disabilities to independently access hand hygiene — a simple yet impactful innovation that promoted safety and dignity during a global crisis.
The success of Geo Pomana’s model in Harare raises an important question: Can this work be extended to other towns and cities across Zimbabwe? If replicated, it could significantly strengthen public health outcomes nationwide, reducing disease burdens and improving quality of life.
As one community member noted, “The streets feel safer and cleaner now. It’s a huge relief for our families.” This sentiment echoes across Harare, showing that effective waste management is not just about cleanliness — it’s about health, dignity, and community well‑being.
About the Author
Bigboy Madzivanzira is a journalist and certified Medical Rehabilitation Practitioner passionate about improving healthcare access and rehabilitation services across Zimbabwe. He writes on health systems strengthening, disability inclusion, and workforce development.
📞 Contact: 0773 367 913
✉️ Email: healthpromotionclinic@gmail.com