KIGALI - The Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA), Tuesday reached a resolution of putting a ban on the importation and usage of Chloro-Fluoro Carbon gas (CFC) in the country.

In a statement to the press, the director of REMA’s Dr. Rose Mukankomeje explained that the ban of the gas was timely.

"We have resolved to ban the Chloro Fluoro Carbon gas from the country because of the potential danger it poses to the environment and definitely to the people. This gas weakens the ozone layer which results into sun rays scorching the earth’s surface, affecting production and proper livelihoods,” said Mukankomeje.

She said the decision was reached after recognising the dangers the gas causes to both the environment and people. The gas is normally used in refrigerators, automobiles, industries, and in hospitals.

REMA together with a committee responsible for regulating harmful gases first assessed both the advantages and dangers of the gas, and found the dangers far outweighed the benefits.  

CFC gas damages and weakens the ozone layer which directly impacts on the environment. It is also known to cause cancer of the skin and eye disease.

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