adminMidlands Bureau Chief
ZIMBABWE and the rest of the world have witnessed a disturbing influx – through illegal channels – of ozone depleting refrigerants and other substances that contribute highly to Global Warming, a Cabinet Minister has said.
In a speech read on his behalf by his deputy, Cde Kenneth Masanhu, the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate, Cde Saviour Kasukuwere said Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) were a threat to people’s health and food security as they reduced crop yields, among other challenges.
This was during commemorations to mark the National World Ozone Day in Kwekwe on Monday.
“Scientific results have shown that the earth’s protective shield was being depleted by some man-made chemicals used mostly in refrigeration and air conditioning, fire fighting, cleaning and fumigation. The ozone layer limits harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth’s surface and only allowing the quantities that are needed for the sustenance of life for human beings, plants and animals,” he said.
Cde Kasukuwere said depletion of the ozone causes eye cataracts, skin cancers and suppresses the immune system in human beings.
“It reduces crop yields, degrades synthetic materials and affects aquatic organisms. In addition, most of these Ozone Depleting
Substances (ODS) are ‘Greenhouse Gases’ (GHGs) that trap outgoing radiation thereby contributing significantly to Global Warming,” he said.
Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 26th anniversary of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer.
The protocol was signed on 16 September 1987 after governments of the world agreed to work together in reducing or eradicating substances that pose a threat to the ozone layer.
Cde Kasukuwere said illegal traders use advanced different smuggling techniques to move banned ODS and contaminated refrigerants across borders.
“As we phase out the ozone depleting refrigerants and introduce the ozone and climate friendly ones, illegal trade in phased out ODS has increased across the globe. In Zimbabwe we have also witnessed an influx of such refrigerants which has resulted in damages to refrigeration compressors.
There is a need to train our customs officers and equip them with skills, knowledge and tools to outwit these illegal traders. I am glad to say in Zimbabwe’s case, my ministry has successfully trained and equipped customs officers at our ports of entry with the skills and knowledge to combat this illegal trade.
My ministry also adopted a policy to increase awareness among school children on ozone protection issues. Since the late 1990s, my ministry has been conducting essay, poetry, and poster competitions in schools working in close liaison with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education,” said Cde Kasukuwere.
This year’s commemorations were held under the theme: “A Healthy Atmosphere, The Future We Want.”
Speaking during the same occasion, Minister of State for Midlands Province, Cde Jason Machaya, said this year’s World Ozone Day theme put people at the centre of environment protection.
Online Reporter