Harmony Agere
GEO Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd and the government of Botswana are set to finalise an agreement on waste management following a visit by the neighbouring country’s Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa.
The visit is part of efforts by Botswana to explore advanced approaches to waste management.
Minister Motshegwa toured Geo Pomona alongside the Mayor of Francistown, Gaone Majere, and said the practical experience gained during the visit would help Botswana accelerate processes towards a partnership.
“Some time back, the former president of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, came here, and then President Boko came here to appreciate this project,” he said.
“The vice president also came here, and I’m coming here as the Minister of Local Government, the ministry that is responsible for waste management.
“So, our coming here is on the basis that we realise that we should not treat landfills as merely places where we deposit waste. We need to revolutionise management of waste.”
The minister said the visit also seeks to create opportunities for African countries to work together in developing solutions to waste management challenges.
“We think this is an opportunity for African countries to trade within themselves, both at the governmental level and private sector level,” he said.
“I came with the Mayor of Francistown, because almost all of our landfills are managed by local authorities.
“So, from here, we’ll be able to gain their (Geo Pomona) understanding and appreciation, because we needed to come here to see it practically, because they say to see it, is to believe it.”
Minister Motshegwa said the visit would allow Botswana to accelerate processes that could culminate in a partnership with Geo Pomona.
“When we get back, we can fast-track other processes that will ultimately lead to a partnership, so that in Botswana, we are able to ensure that we have advanced processes and technology in terms of waste management.”
Geo Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd CEO and Executive Chairman, and Special Advisor to the President on Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability, Dr Dilesh Nguwaya, said the latest visit demonstrated the growing interest from Botswana in the project.
“Let me start by saying the government of Botswana is aware that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana visited Geo Pomona,” he said.
“The vice president also visited Geo Pomona, and now the Minister of Local Government has come to visit Geo Pomona to finalise an agreement which will be signed soon by the government of the Republic of Botswana.”
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