[kictanet] Used Computers

[Harry Delano]

Dear all,
 
I think everyone has a valid point. I suppose  the only issue is, "What is
the point of "convergence?", in this important debate.
 
Again, I also gather from most of the comments posted, the term "E-waste"
seem to carry different meanings to different people.. 
In my considered opinion "E-Waste", is  useless, defective and obsolete
junk, that can no longer serve any purpose, leave alone 
being passed on to some rural school who might find some use still left in
it. Wikipedia  adds that, such equipment could be 
a health hazard and could cause pollution. Any equipment that is re-usable
and if for the entire duration it is re-usable it does not 
pose any harm, should not qualify to be placed in the "E-waste" column.
Let's look for another name.
 
I suppose also, what might be considered E-waste in the context of
"Developed" economies, might never be what we consider
it to be in our situation.
 
>From the foregoing, let's first  - from a Multistakeholder point of view,
work on defining "E-waste" in our context, and how to 
deal with the menace. Otherwise, I tend to believe the argument now is from
different angles..
 
Harry

  _____  

From: kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke at lists.kictanet.or.ke
[mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke at lists.kictanet.or.ke] On
Behalf Of aki
Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2010 2:35 PM
To: harry at comtelsys.co.ke
Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
Subject: Re: [kictanet] Used Computers


Hello Victor, I'm sorry to have to disgagree on this one, as a techie. I'm
against the ban on used computers to a certain level and I add my amatuer
input to this thread. A lot of us started our careers in this industry on
used computers way back to atari, ibm 286 ( in the 80s ). 
 
We seem to trust 100% studies done and assuming that this time around the
studies were actually based on hard facts, then such a study does confirm
that there are thousands of kenyans depend on the used computer industry. It
would be quite helpful to read these studies done so as to confirm whether
the problem is used computers or that the failure of no facilites in kenya
that can handle such waste. Whatever the agencies are pushing for is, am
sure, for the betterment of the enviroment but they are looking at short
term solutions. 
 
I put forward this argument : The same brand new computer that you typed
this email with will become obsolete in a matter of 2 years due to newer
apps and technologies. What will you then do with it? Sell it as junk or
dispose of it? We will be in the same e-waste situation. What will Kenya's
solution be then? BAN NEW COMPUTERS? 
 
Dr Ndemo, please do let us keep open minds on the used computers issue and
try to create a balance rationale that a lot of kenyans still cannot afford
a new one. Kenya ICT policies need to ensure that computers penetration into
almost every home is a reality within a number of years, that we have
productive kids who have access to computers both at school and at home.  
 
- Wild card comment : To really get the envorimental agencies involved, they
should also do a study on the air quality in Nairobi around peak traffic
time and they could possibly confirm to kenyans that we are breathing in
very unhealthy air. Lets go ahead and ban all those Diesel engines from
trucks, matatus which should be complying with acceptable pollution
standards. Let us also get CO testers so that all petrol engine vehicles on
the roads are tuned to comply with pollution standards. And finally, let us
not have half baked attempts at resolving enviromental problems. - 

This mail is not meant to offend anyone. 
 
Thank you.
 
Rgds.

On Sat, Mar 20, 2010 at 1:27 PM, Victor Maloi <victormaloi3 at gmail.com>
wrote:


Listers,
I hope everybody read the Thursday Star article on e-waste.  The article
quoted a study conducted locally and found out that we import thousands of
tons in e-waste from developed countries.  Environmental agencies are
concerned.  For every one used computer that ends up being used, there are
ten to be juncked or to be used for canibalizing.  Do we really need this in
the country?  In my view we should support the Government's proposal to ban
the imports.  My brief research shows those supporting this effort are
themselves in the used electronics industry.  In all honest the benefits do
not justify our continued use of other people's waste.  PS Ndemo said we can
lower the cost of new computers to equal that of the used computer.  Why can
we not pursue this?
 

 
Victor.


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