A newly formed association, called the Gambia National Refrigeration Technicians Association (GNRTA), was recently established in the country, with the objective of facing out global pandemic substances such as the Ocean depletion substances (ODS).

Initiated by a group of technicians during a meeting organised by the National Environmental Agency (NEA) in Mansakoiko, the newly established association is tasked with the responsibility to gather and train all refrigeration technicians in The country. GNTRTA culminated from the desire to be in line with the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ocean Layer, and the Montreal Protocol on Substance.

Speaking to Daily Observer in an exclusive interview, Alagie Jallow, Public Relation Officer of the Gambia National Refrigeration Technicians Association, said although 2009 may look very near for the phase-out of the ocean depletion substances, his association is fully dedicated to achieve this great responsibility in the Gambia by 2009.

According to him, they have already put mechanisms towards eradicating ODs substances in the country. "We have put mechanisms to sensitize the refrigerant dealers, particularly those importing ODs gases. We will also sensitized all the refrigeration technicians of the association about the harmful effects of ODS gases.

Once they apprehend the negative impact, they will change their attitude towards products that are harmful to environment,'' he noted.

Mr Jallow also disclosed that the usage of such gases has caused lot of complicated diseases such as skin cancer, eye cataract, adding that the gases also contribute to global warming as well as low rainfall.

He then appealed to the general public, particularly those at the entry points such as seaports and inter-state borders to take a great control of those products.