Harare’s US$162m Dirty Deal – City Paying ‘Businessman’ US$90k Daily For Filthy Streets

$162 Million Waste Scandal – How Harare Residents Are Being Robbed, Paying US$90 000 Per Day

Harare’s streets are still filthy, but someone is pocketing nearly US$90,000 (R1.6 million) every single day. That’s thanks to a controversial US$162 million (R2.97 billion) waste management contract signed without tender, now at the centre of an explosive scandal linking politicians, businessmen, and a mountain of uncollected rubbish.

A contract that won’t go away

According to investigative journalist Maynard Manyowa, writing for DugUp, on 25 November 2024, a 5-year deal came into effect between the Government of Zimbabwe and Geopomona Waste Management, fronted by Delish Nguwaya — a man previously cleared in a separate US$60 million (R1.1 billion) COVID-19 medical supply case.

“This is a cartel siphoning funds through a government-backed monopoly,”
said Precious Shumba of the Harare Residents Trust.

The contract commits the city of Harare to paying US$2.7 million (R49.5 million) every month — regardless of whether the waste is actually collected. That breaks down to US$90,000 (R1.65 million) every day.

“Buried deeper in Clause 23, we then find out the truth: Harare’s ratepayers — that’s you and me — will be forced to pay,” said a local whistle-blower who shared a leaked copy of the contract.

Millions paid, but rubbish still piling up

Despite the hefty monthly payments, residents say Harare remains dirty. Illegal dumps are growing, and suburbs such as Mbare, Highfield and Warren Park remain neglected.

“They came in February and cleared a few areas, then disappeared,”
said a local community leader. “It was just a stunt.”

Geopomona claimed to have cleared 80,000 tonnes of rubbish in one month. But residents and reporters who visited the sites say the claims don’t match the reality.

“It doesn’t look like a place where US$2.7 million a month is being spent,”
said an independent observer. “Where are the trucks?”

The players and the politics

Delish Nguwaya chairs Geopomona. He’s been photographed alongside President Mnangagwa and was recently seen on a state trip to Belarus, where he reportedly signed another refuse truck deal.

The international firm behind Geopomona is Geogenix BV, registered in the Netherlands and linked to Albanian businessman Mirel Mërtiri, who is facing corruption allegations in Europe.

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume had originally called the deal “a financial scandal” back in 2022. But after a political reshuffle, he signed a new version of the agreement. Local newspapers allege Mafume is now receiving a US$200,000 (R3.67 million) monthly kickback — a claim he strongly denies.

“The allegations are baseless,”  Mafume stated in a recent response.
“There is no evidence.”

Under the agreement, government officials now monitor Harare’s revenue collection and ensure payments to Geopomona are made — even if services are not delivered.

Key facts:

• Harare ratepayers fund the contract, not central government.

• The deal was awarded without public tender.

• Clause 23 of the contract gives government access to city accounts.

• Residents report little visible service delivery since February.

• Payments continue regardless — amounting to nearly US$10 million (R183 million) by June.

As the garbage piles higher, so do the questions.