Africa-Press – Eswatini. In a decisive step toward strengthening Eswatini’s environmental protection efforts, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has handed over a specialized Toyota Hilux Refrigerant Recovery Vehicle valued at E674 000 to the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA).
The handover ceremony took place at the UN House on March 27, 2026, where the keys were officially presented to the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s drive toward climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
Describing the vehicle as more than just transport, the Minister said it represents a practical, mobile solution to a global environmental challenge.
“This vehicle is not merely a mode of transport; it is a mobile solution to a global problem,” she said. “It enables our technicians to reach every corner of the country and safely capture harmful gases before they escape into the atmosphere.”
The unit will enhance the operations of the national Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling (R&R) Centre by allowing technicians to carry specialized recovery equipment directly to service sites across the country.
Representing the EEA Management Board Chairperson, Board Member Sizwe Mabaso reflected on Eswatini’s steady progress under the Montreal Protocol.
“This moment allows us to reflect on the technical progress Eswatini has made and the importance of strategic partnerships, particularly with UNDP,” Mabaso said.
He highlighted the country’s successful phased elimination of harmful CFCs and HCFCs, including a project that completely phased out HCFCs in the domestic refrigerator manufacturing sector — a demonstration that local industry can lead in green innovation when supported.
Adding technical insight, Manyakatane Dlamini, Vice Chairperson of the Eswatini Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Association (ERA) and a lecturer at Gwamile VOCTIM, described the vehicle as a “game-changer” for field operations.
“The Toyota Hilux is fitted with specialized recovery units and storage cylinders designed to safely extract and transport ozone-depleting substances,” Dlamini explained. “This mobile unit bridges a critical gap by equipping technicians with the tools they need to protect the environment on-site.”
UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin reaffirmed the UN’s support for Eswatini’s commitment to fully phase out HCFCs by 2030.
“This is about getting the basics right and delivering tangible results,” Franklin said. “The EEA continues to be the driver of the green transition, ensuring these investments translate into real progress on the ground.”
The collaboration between UNDP, the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and the EEA — with support from the Multilateral Fund and UNEP — underscores Eswatini’s determined march toward a cleaner, safer, and more climate-resilient future.
