“REFURBS OR REJECTS”; A DEBATE ON THE REFURBISHED COMPUTERS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

“Refurbs or rejects” turned out to be the focus of the debate during the i-network forum held at the Grand imperial Royale on September 23, 2008.On the debating panel was Mr. David Leysens of Close the Gap and Joachim Gwoke of Africa leadership Institute for the themed motion “Refurbished computers” and Mr. Kato William from Data Fundi and Ms Edith Birungi Kahubire on the opposing side. The proponents argued that there was need to bridge the information gap, characteristic of the developing countries who cannot afford new computers. They also argued that the refurbs were not necessary old machines but could be CSR donations by companies; that some of the machines were in a good working condition but a minor default could have rendered them short of their warrantees or simply old stock in companies given away to create room. A representative of Uganda Green Computers, an organization supported by UNIDO and Microsoft revealed that in a survey conducted prior to the establishment of the organization, it was found out that in Uganda, there a 10 computers per 1000 households, 75% of which are used by multi laterals and big NGOs while 5-6 % accounts for the SMEs and Individuals. Refurbished machines, he argued were a good start in remedying this appalling information gap. He cited developed countries like Canada where over 8000 computers are used in schools, and that if they were good enough for Canada, why not, Africa.

The opponents regarded refurbs as factory rejects which find their way down in Africa as an e-waste dumping site. Mr. Kato cited the hazardous chemicals like mercury, cadmium and lead which are dangerous not only to the current but also generations to come. He informed the audience that Nigeria and Ghana were fast turning into leading e-waste dumping sites and other countries could as well be,that without governments intervention, we are likely to follow suit countries like Japan which have been turned into massive e-waste dumping sites. Ms Edith brought attention to the challenges of e-waste, attributed to the paradox of Refurbished computers where on one side is the emerging problem of e-waste and on the other a business opportunity for those in the trade and as well a paradox between environmental conservation and economic development to governments. The pros and cons do not make it easy to come to a consensus to address the dangers associated with refurbished machines.

The debate was followed by a discussion which involved the audience where it was agreed that there was need to have Recalling centers for the refurbished machines after their operational cycle to curb e-waste side effects. It was also recommended that Governments consider cheaper options like basic computers instead of acquiring refurbs. It was also noted that though a cheaper option, the refurbs were on the other hand cost ineffectiveness since some most of them consume more power. It was in general consensus that Uganda lacks e-waste control policies and that therefore there was a need for government intervention to address the problems of e-waste. The workshop was attended by 2 members from the parliamentary ICT committee who revealed that government was in the process of enacting Cyber laws, under which they hope to address issues of e-waste. The Ministry of ICT is setting up a regulatory agency NITA to address ICT related concerns.The invite only- forum was well attended by stakeholders involved in the purchase and or distribution of refurbished computers, policy makers, regulators, educationalists, environmentalists and the general public.

AUTHOR: DATAFUNDI (Uganda) LTD PUBLISHED ON : 2008-10-11