By A Correspondent| Concerns are growing over the City of Harare’s plan to hand over full control of its solid waste management to controversial businessman Dilesh Nguwaya run Geo-Pomona, a move that is expected to significantly raise costs for the city’s residents.

Hardlife Mudzingwa, a local governance activist and leader of Community Water Alliance, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed deal, citing the financial burden it will place on the city.

According to Mudzingwa, the agreement would see Geo-Pomona charge more than USD 160.00 per tonne of waste managed each day.

In addition to this high cost, the contract includes provisions for a minimum guaranteed amount of waste, meaning the city will be required to pay for the management of a fixed volume of waste regardless of the actual amount collected.

“At a time when the city is already struggling to provide basic services, entering into an agreement that forces Harare to surrender all waste collection to a private company at such a steep price is unacceptable,” said Mudzingwa in a statement posted on Facebook.

He emphasized the need for residents to stand up against what he described as an “evil” deal that would only serve to deepen the city’s financial woes.

Critics argue that the deal benefits Geo-Pomona at the expense of Harare’s residents, who may face higher rates as a result.

The city’s current waste management system has been plagued by inefficiencies, with many areas suffering from uncollected waste and illegal dumping sites becoming common.

Mudzingwa’s call to action is part of growing public resistance to privatization deals that are seen as harmful to the city’s long-term sustainability.