Chronicle Editor
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
HWANGE District recently hosted this year’s World Refrigeration Day where field experts and technicians were urged to embrace innovation to ensure the promotion of green refrigeration practices as part of measures to counter climate change.
Refrigeration is the backbone of modern society, enabling the safe storage and transportation of food, medicine, and other essential products globally. It has revolutionised the way society interacts. Celebrated on June 26 annually, this year’s commemorations ran under the theme: “Refrigeration Matters” and were preceded by a public march from TM Square to the venue at Lwendulu Primary School with various players in the refrigeration industry taking part.
Speaking during the event, the president of the Southern African Development Community Refrigeration and Air-conditioning (SADC RAC) Association, Mr Cain Manyukwa said the development of green technologies is critical in addressing climate change. “As we move forward, let us continue to innovate, improve, and promote sustainable refrigeration practices that minimise environmental impact while maximising social benefits,” he said.
“A properly managed cold chain system will bring economic fluency and growth. We remain resolute as a body in fostering ethical and good practices as we encourage continuous training, research and development and engage more with our various governments in a quest to solidify our footprint and make the RAC sector great.” Mr Manyukwa said the refrigeration industry plays a vital role in addressing global issues such as climate change, food security, and energy conservation.
“However, our journey doesn’t stop here. As we look to the future, we must continue to innovate and embrace new challenges. The refrigeration industry plays a vital role in addressing global issues such as climate change, food security, and energy conservation,” he said. By developing and implementing greener technologies, Mr Manyukwa said Zimbabwe can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient world.
He said since its establishment the regional association has established various initiatives meant to strengthen its members’ capacities while embracing new technologies ensuring refrigeration is accessible to everyone. “SADC RAC Association, though founded only two years ago, has made gigantic strides in establishing the refrigeration without borders initiative and in March a milestone achievement was made through the establishment of the training, recovery and training centre in Ongwediva Northern Namibia,” said Manyukwa.
“Our working relationship with the National Ozone Unit (NOU) is a very special arrangement in our fight to phase out and phase down hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),” said Mr Manyukwa. “Together we can fight climate change, global warming, and ozone depletion. Let us work together to ensure that the benefits of refrigeration are accessible to all, regardless of geographical location or socio-economic status.”
Mr Manyukwa who is also chairperson of Heating Energy Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Association of Zimbabwe said the regional bloc is experiencing growth as evidenced by the coming on board of Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Malawi and Kenya in addition to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. “While refrigeration is a cornerstone of our daily lives, its importance and role often go unnoticed. From the food we eat to the medicines that keep us healthy, refrigeration ensures that we have access to fresh, safe, and high-quality products,” he said.
Speaking during the same event, acting Hwange District Development Co-ordinator, Mrs Nyaradzo Masoja called for increased awareness campaigns in communities to promote the use of green refrigeration technologies in the wake of climate change. “We have a unique responsibility to support and promote these technologies within our communities. By encouraging the adoption of green refrigeration practices and investing in modern, efficient systems for our public facilities, we can lead by example,” she said.
“Moreover, through education and outreach, we can raise awareness about the importance of refrigeration in our daily lives and its impact on global sustainability. Beyond everyday conveniences, refrigeration technologies are integral to a myriad of industries including agriculture, transportation and manufacturing.”
Online Reporter