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Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]

GOVERNMENT has banned the importation of hydro-chlorofluorocarbon refrigerators and air conditioners and set a six-year phase-out window for local manufacturers.

The interventions are part of comprehensive domestic measures to protect the ozone layer and curb global warming in line with global commitments.

Hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerators and air conditioners are said to contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that deplete the ozone and are being replaced with environmentally friendly hydrocarbons (HCs).

In a statement to commemorate World Ozone Day yesterday, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, said the country is implementing an elaborate plan to protect the ozone, which has suffered a lot from man-made chemicals. World Ozone Day is commemorated annually on September 16.

Dr Sithembiso Nyoni

“This Ozone Day commemoration is being held as my ministry is implementing the second stage hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) phase-out management plan (HPMP) and has just submitted the stage one Kigali Implementation Plan for consideration at the 95th meeting of the executive committee of the multilateral fund,” she said. 

“The second stage HPMP will enable the country to eliminate the use of HCFCs by the 1st of January 2030 and this will result in more climate benefits as these substances have high global warming potentials.”

Dr Nyoni said through the implementation of the Stage One Kigali Implementation Plan, the country expects to have reduced the HFC consumption by 10 percent in 2029.

She said the depletion of the ozone layer increases the chances of humans contracting cancer and Zimbabwe is part of the global community initiative to suppress its decline.

“The stratospheric ozone layer acts as a shield, which protects life on earth from dangerous Ultra-Violet (UV) radiation from the sun and allows only sufficient UV doses that are needed for the sustenance of life for human beings, plants and animals,” said Dr Nyoni. 

“Man-made chemicals used mostly in refrigeration and air conditioning RAC are depleting this protective ozone layer.

“Depletion of this vital protective shield causes eye cataracts and skin cancers and suppresses the immune system in human beings. Ozone layer depletion also reduces crop yields, degrades synthetic materials and affects aquatic organisms.”

The minister said the Government has received support from the United Nations agencies, the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the implementation of the Stage II HPMP and Stage I Kigali Implementation Plan.

“Tools and equipment for use by refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners have been procured and distributed to all polytechnics and refrigerant recovery and recycling centres in major cities and towns,” said Dr Nyoni.

“Tools for use by customs officers to combat illegal trade in unwanted substances are awaiting delivery. I greatly appreciate the support my ministry is receiving from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the refrigeration industry in phasing out substances controlled under the Montreal Protocol.”

She said the planned ban on the HCFC is expected to improve energy efficiency, as it will result in reduced power consumption. — @nqotshili