This email follows from James Nguo's email on Refurbished computers: I agree that the matter merits further consideration by the group.

I will therefore attempt to raise all issues relating to this in point form for your quick perusal. However, i strongly urge you all to give the below issues indepth consideration where the policy is concerned and have appended below the link to research reports done by Schoolnet Africa on this issue.

1)There are differences between Refurbished computers and recycled computers:

Refurbishing: refers to the process of testing, trouble-shooting, repairing and, where necessary upgrading a used PC to enable productive re-use. While they are second hand computers/used computers, they are distinct in that they have undergone this process.

Recycled: refers to the decommissioning and disassembly of end-life computers into their component parts and the process of reclaiming the composite metals, glass and plastics for re-use in other products, thus minimizing landfill and associated waste and pollution

The above therefore needs to be distinguished from:

a dumped computer: A computer not suitable for use and has been deemed to have completed its 'life'. There have been some some cases where our Western counterparts and even NGO's have seen these as being of benefit to developing countries. These are redundant computers and that needs to be clear in the policy as non-acceptable. Africa is not a landfill !!!

When 'we' therefore speak of A 'second hand'/used computer we should be careful to note what 'we' are talking about. From the above, a second-hand /used pc can therefore be one the above and that distinction needs to be clearly defined.

2) The type of PC/Second-hand/used computer needs to be defined with the "limits" being placed on low specification pcs. If that is the case, which it should be, then the following needs to be considered:

Are un-refurbished PCs low specification pc's?
What limits should PC's have: P11 or P111?

I point out the above for two reasons:

First, different organizations and NGO's have differing definitions on the type of PC they donate. This information should always be made available to the end user. Many do not accept anything below a PI1.

Second, where private companies and countries donate PCs. The 'life' of the PC needs to be known to avoid dumping situations

3) Should we put a criteria on where PCs are refurbished or leave this open?

Which ever way both have different arguments:

-There is an opinion that when the donar takes responsibility for refurbishment before point of entry, then the computers come in ready to be put to 'immediate, productive and sustainable' use. There also tends to be some assurance on the 'life' span of the computer and ownership for the quality of refurbishing done.

-On the other hand where refurbishing is done at 'point of entry' , this is seen to build and provide technical skill and capacity.

There other issues such as maintenance and once end of 'life' takes place what happens...

However, for policy making, i believe the above definitions and issues need to be considered and not left as a "blanket'.

I draw your attention to the report done by schoolnet Africa on this issue:

http://www.schoolnetafrica.net/1304.0.html.

The report covers all the above and more and i highly recommend it for reading.

Best wishes

Monica

Monica Kerretts-Makau

Tel: 61-2-9385 2331

Fax: 61-2-9385 1040

Email: m.kerretts@unsw.edu.au