ONGWEDIVA – Industrialisation and trade minister Lucia Iipumbu has urged practitioners in the heat, ventilation and cooling sector to undergo training and obtain their certifications.
She said this in a statement delivered on her behalf by Oshana Regional Council chairperson Andreas Uutoni during the commemoration of World Refrigeration Day at Ongwediva on Wednesday, hosted by the Association of Heat, Ventilation and Cooling of Namibia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industrialisation.
The day is commemorated every year on 26 June, and was commemorated under the theme ‘Temperature Matters.’
In her statement, Iipumbu said by 2025, no uncertified practitioners will be allowed to handle refrigerants.
“This certification will be compulsory for all practitioners, and will be a primary requirement for tendering, the installation and servicing of HVAC equipment,” she noted.
Iipumbu emphasised the need for the practitioners to be fully-certified to be able to handle refrigerants before the enforcement period starts, as this will not only prevent gas explosions, but also protect the practitioners.
Speaking at the same occasion, Oshana governor Elia Irimari concurred with Iipumbu, saying cooling and heating is essential, especially in the health sector.
He said as Namibia celebrates World Refrigeration Day, it should acknowledge the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“Climate change and environmental sustainability are pressing issues that demand our attention and action,” Irimari added.
-Nampa