Investing in Climate and Ozone Protection

Eswatini established the centre through the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase-Out Management Plan, funded by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. The Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) implements the initiative with support from UNDP and in partnership with UNEP. It aims to reduce emissions from the cooling sector by recovering, recycling, and reusing refrigerants that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, depleting the ozone layer and contributing to global warming.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Mkhonta-Simelane said the facility represents both an environmental and economic investment for the country.

“This centre sits at the heart of the Manzini Region. It will serve as a national collection point, where used refrigerants from across the country are recovered and recycled for re-use – not released.”

The Minister noted that sustainable cooling is critical for food security, vaccine storage, public health and trade, while creating opportunities for green jobs and innovation. She urged businesses and technicians to embrace responsible refrigerant management and comply with national regulations prohibiting the release of refrigerants into the atmosphere.

The centre complements a mobile refrigerant recovery facility previously handed over under the project, which helps technicians recover refrigerants nationwide, improve servicing standards, and extend services to remote communities.