Eswatini drives green shift with E674,000 refrigerant recovery vehicle
The Government of Eswatini has officially received a specialized refrigerant recovery vehicle, implemented by the Eswatini Environment Authority. The handover ceremony was held on Friday at the UN House in Mbabane.
This handover was hailed as a critical milestone in the nation’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol and the global fight against ozone depletion.
The vehicle, valued at E674,000 (approximately USD 39,000), was formally presented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Henrik Franklin, to the Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane.
This investment is funded by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, specifically under the Hydro-chloro-fluoro-carbon (HCFC) Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP)for Eswatini.
The acquisition of this vehicle is part of a strategic project implemented by the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA). While UNDP provides the foundational implementation support, the initiative is a collaborative effort involving the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
The primary objective is to facilitate Eswatini’s goal of completely phasing out HCFCs by 2030, which is a target that aligns with international environmental standards.
The specialized vehicle is designed to support the recovery of refrigerants from old or inefficient cooling systems. By providing a mobile solution, the EEA can now extend its reach to technicians in remote areas who previously lacked the logistical means to transport recovery equipment.
This also ensures that harmful gases are captured and managed safely rather than being vented into the atmosphere, which is a common but damaging practice in the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) sector.
Upon receiving the vehicle on behalf of the EEA, Minister Mkhonta-Simelane emphasized that this asset is a tool for the country’s workforce. She noted that it complements existing stationary recovery infrastructure, creating a strong, comprehensive system for chemical management.
“To our technicians and industry players, this investment is for you,” the Minister stated. She urged the private sector to uphold the highest standards of professional practice, prioritizing safety and environmental integrity as the industry transitions towards more green and ozone-friendly alternatives. She highlighted that such proactive measures strengthen Eswatini’s reputation as a responsible member of the global community.
During the handover, UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin described the donation within the broader global climate crisis. He praised Eswatini’s consistent progress under the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment (KA), noting that these agreements are widely regarded as the most successful multilateral environmental treaties in history.
“Phasing out HCFCs particularly HCFC-22, which is still in use here, is not only about environmental compliance but it is about reducing greenhouse gases and cooling the climate,” Franklin explained. He noted that while the Montreal Protocol began as a response to the ‘hole’ in the ozone layer, it is evolution now serves as a powerful tool for broader climate protection.
The event concluded with a gallery of stakeholders, including government officials, representatives from the Eswatini Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Association, and UN staff.