The construction of a new modern restaurant structure by local and regional steel specialist Brown Engineering signals a strategic expansion for Geo Pomona Waste Management (Private) Limited. The flagship initiative, established under the vision of the country’s leadership, is actively moving beyond its core mandate of converting waste into energy. Located approximately 13 km northeast of the Harare CBD, the Geo Pomona project—a Joint Venture Concession Agreement between the City of Harare and Geogenix BV—is focused on transforming the Pomona Landfill site into a multi-functional hub.
Structural expertise
The construction of the new restaurant structure at the Pomona site marks a bold step in the facility’s ongoing transformation. The project required the technical mastery of a company experienced in large, challenging industrial environments. Brown Engineering was tasked with designing, manufacturing, and installing the steel framework, leveraging their extensive experience in heavy industrial structures—a background that prepared them well for the unique demands of a modern waste management facility.
The success of the project highlights Brown Engineering’s versatility in delivering various complex structures, whether industrial, agricultural, mining, or residential. Their in-house research and development team undertook meticulous planning regarding the unique requirements of a waste-to-energy site, ensuring the structural design met global specifications for factors like corrosion resistance and load-bearing capacity.
The successful completion of the steel structure will significantly boost the image of the award-winning waste management site, which continues to improve its communal facilities. For Brown Engineering, the collaboration with a global-standard entity further solidifies its reputation in the design and manufacture of steel structures across Zimbabwe and the SADC region.
Technical mastery:
The construction phase showcased a high standard of civil and structural engineering work, as evidenced by the technical details of the massive, long building that houses key site functions and features the restaurant. Infrastructure development began with essential groundworks, including the creation of a finished paved road and a robust stormwater drainage channel running alongside the building.
The surrounding site features clean, concrete-lined channels indicating near-completion of the water management infrastructure. A wide, tarred road with clear markings now curves into the distance, connecting the site and sitting on a newly laid, graded base. Even essential utility connections were completed with construction crews actively working on excavating and laying pipes for water and sewer reticulation.
The main structure itself features a complex steel assembly. The large and long roof and frame structure uses a dense network of black metal trusses and purlins to support white insulated roofing sheets. The exterior roof is clad in a dark grey corrugated iron sheet, although high aerial views distinctly show the roof of the entire long structure is finished in two different colours: dark grey on one half and bright blue on the other.
For the awnings and entrances, a dark metal truss system and black metal truss structure were expertly bolted and anchored to the raw concrete columns along the side of the building, featuring diagonal cross-bracing to support an awning/canopy system. While the facade and cladding for the main front façade, or gable end, presents a striking modern look. The upper half is largely covered by a dark, mirrored glass facade, contrasting sharply with the lower half, which is composed of rough concrete/plastered walls.
The central entrance area is strongly defined by exposed red brickwork and a red structural steel beam. Interior panels and ceiling installation, showcasing exposed steel roof trusses alongside new white finished ceiling panelling, further demonstrate the high-quality finishing. The final structural touch was the precise welding of a red structural steel canopy frame over the main entrance/window area, completing the robust and modern exterior.
Leveraging sports and tourism
Brown Engineering has managed to deliver a restaurant that is strategically positioned to serve a substantial and growing base of potential clientele drawn to Geo Pomona’s impressive
recreational facilities. The company has invested in cutting edge sports amenities, transforming the former dumpsite into an attractive community and sporting hub. The site now boasts a FIFA-certified astroturf soccer pitch, along with modern basketball and tennis courts. This dedication to promoting sports and recreation has not only attracted the local community but has also positioned the site as a premier sports venue. Future plans include the construction of terraces, stands, and changing rooms, and there is high potential for the national soccer team to utilize the amenities for training, further enhancing the facility’s status. This makes the restaurant a vital component, providing world-class culinary services to athletes, spectators, and community members.
This appeal extends beyond just sport. Geo Pomona is rapidly emerging as a site for ‘green tourism’ and corporate visitation. By transforming the former dumpsite into an award-winning hub for waste-to-energy innovation—a model that attracts international delegations from Africa and beyond—the facility draws a continuous stream of visitors. This growing pool of international and local visitors coming to learn about the project, coupled with the local sporting community, ensures a steady demand for the restaurant.
As Dr. Nguwaya reportedly stated in the past, “The addition of amenities such as a restaurant, stands, and changing rooms will further enhance the facility’s appeal and functionality,” underscoring the company’s commitment to fostering sports excellence and community engagement alongside its core environmental mission. Brown Engineering is elated to be part of this exciting journey,
delivering world-class engineering that aligns with the facility’s vision for sustainable development and regional excellence.
