Ministry of Environment launches the 2023 – 2024 National cloud seeding programme

Marvelous Mpofu and Romeo Gumbo

12.01.24

The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife recently launched the 2023 to 2024 National cloud seeding programme at Joshua Nkomo Airport.

Cloud seeding is a scientifically approved rainfall enhancement method that involves the deliberate introduction of hydrophilic substances into the atmosphere in order to stimulate the formation of rain droplets through the enhancement of existing clouds ultimately leading to increased rainfall.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary for Environment, Climate and Wildlife Professor P.B. Matondi, Engineer Pomokai Mazhara said two aircrafts will be deployed in Bulawayo and Harare so as to kick-start the cloud seeding exercise.

“Two aircrafts which were assessed for the cloud seeding programme ,have been fitted with cloud seeding equipment on the right door. They will be stationed at Charles Prince Airport in Harare to service the Northern region of the country and Joshua Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo to service the Southern region of the country”, he said.

Engineer Mazhara further highlighted that they were adequately prepared as the two aircrafts were tested through deployment at Chinhoi and Mazoe on the 7th of January this year and the result was that they are functioning properly.

“The Ministry carried out a preparedness test run on the seventh of January 2024. The two aircrafts were deployed to Chinhoyi and Mazoe respectively, and they were functioning well”, Mazhara said.

The Cloud seeding tender was given to Central Air Transport Services and they have a team comprising of Cloud Seeders, Forecasters, and Pilots.

However Engineer Mazhara reiterated that the success of the programme is highly dependent on availability of appropriate weather conditions.

“We hope the current weather conditions will prevail and allow our team to carry out the exercise when necessary”,he said.