By Margaret Kamba 

It was all smiles today as Geo Pomona Waste Management Pvt Ltd received its certification from FIFA for its sporting facilities. 

Made from what was previously known to be a dumpsite, Geo Pomona Waste Management Pvt Ltd has literally transformed the place into what no eye has seen or ear has ever heard or the mind imagined.

Speaking during the ceremony this Thursday, Deputy Minister for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Honourable Emily Jesaya said the company was indeed working towards the attainment of an upper middle-income society.

"What a day to be alive in the history of Zimbabwe. The vision of Zimbabwe driven by His Excellency Cde Dr E.D Mnangagwa under the Second Republic is to become a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030. I am excited to announce that Geo Pomona Waste Management Pvt Ltd is among the companies that are working and thriving towards achieving the nation's vision of becoming a prosperous and empowered middle-income society. This goes in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number three which says, 'to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages," Minister Jesaya said 

"The Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture in collaboration with Geo Pomona Waste Management Pvt Ltd has embarked on a mission to utilize the power of sports to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and the need for sustainable waste management practices.

She added that the company being "a pioneer in waste management will play a crucial role in this partnership in utilizing innovative technologies to create new products out of Waste materials. By transforming waste into valuable resources, Geo Pomona Waste Management Pvt Ltd will not only contribute to reducing waste in landfills but also promote a secular economy that maximizes resource efficiency through participation in sports and recreation. We would like to thank Geo Pomona Waste Management Pvt Ltd for taking into cognizant the mandate of the Ministry. "

Speaking during the same event, the CEO and Executive Chairman of Geo Pomona Waste Management Pvt Ltd, Cde Dilesh Nguwaya said this certification was a great milestone.

"I heartily welcome you to this momentus milestone celebration. This is part of Geo Pomona Waste Management Pvt Ltd's corporate social responsibility programme. We have constructed state-of-the-art recreational facilities consisting of a soccer field, two basketball courts and two tennis courts. Plans are underway to construct a restaurant that will offer world-class culinary services. This is part of promoting public health and wellnessat a time when bad eating habits are on the rise leading to chronic illnesses in our communities," he said.

"We anticipate that this place will serve as a talent incubation centre for our youth and will go a long way in supporting Zimbabwe's anti-drug and substance abuse fight as youth with be having a place to nurture their talent."

FIFA representative Cemil Nadir Sahin said he hoped that " such an investment would improve the football game."