Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has been recalled from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), escalating tensions over the city’s waste management plans.
The move follows months of disagreements between Coltart and councillors over the proposed involvement of Geo Pomona Waste Management. The company, fronted by Dilesh Nguwaya, has attracted controversy over its expansion plans across Zimbabwe.
In a letter dated 7 October, the faction informed Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe that Coltart, the Ward 4 councillor, had “ceased to be a member” of the party. It also asked Garwe to act under Section 129(1)(k) of the Constitution.
Geo Pomona Dispute Deepens Political Tensions
The dispute centres on Geo Pomona Waste Management, whose expansion ambitions have brought the company into conflict with local authorities.
Nguwaya, who has links to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s family, has positioned the company for operations beyond Harare. However, the company announced plans to expand into all provinces, even without agreements with other local authorities.
Bulawayo subsequently became a focal point in the controversy. Coltart opposed the proposed arrangement, while other councillors supported opening the city to the company.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency and the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe urged Bulawayo to engage Geo Pomona. Coltart’s resistance placed him at odds with those advocating for the company’s involvement.
The recall also followed growing pressure from the Tshabangu faction. Coltart had reportedly snubbed a meeting officiated by Paul Tungwarara, an adviser to President Mnangagwa.
Earlier, Sengezo Tshabangu dismissed reports that his faction intended to remove the mayor. He told CITE that he had no plans to recall Coltart.
Tshabangu also argued that the CCC could not unilaterally remove Coltart under the Urban Councils Act. However, the faction has now moved to recall him.
Other CCC Politicians Also Recalled
Coltart’s removal has raised concerns about Bulawayo’s future waste management arrangements. Residents may now question whether the city will pursue a deal similar to Harare’s existing arrangement with Geo Pomona.
In Harare, ratepayers reportedly pay almost US$3 million monthly for refuse collection and street cleaning under the controversial contract. The developments in Bulawayo have therefore intensified scrutiny of the company’s expansion plans.
Coltart was not the only politician targeted in the latest recalls. In separate letters, the faction informed Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda and Senate President Mabel Chinomona of additional removals.
The affected politicians include Bulawayo Senator Ivumile Kucaca Phulu, Bulawayo Central MP Surrender Kapoikilu, Mbizo MP Corban Madzivanyika and Epworth North MP Togarepi Zivai Mhetu.
These latest moves follow a series of recalls conducted in the CCC’s name since October 2023. Those recalls have reduced the opposition party’s representation in Parliament and local councils.
The developments continue to reshape Zimbabwe’s opposition political landscape, while the dispute over Geo Pomona remains a central issue in Bulawayo’s municipal affairs.
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