METEOROLOGICAL service providers are now setting up automated observing systems in a bid to improve delivery, avert disasters and ensure that the country is not lagging behind on weather related issues.
The country’s Meteorological Services Department (MSD) recently set up an automatic weather station in Mutare as part of efforts to increase delivery of reliable and better weather information to ensure citizens are in a position to make much more informed decisions.
With weather patterns increasingly becoming erratic as a result of climate change it has become crucial for meteorological service providers to be in a position to supply apt weather information and avert disasters such as those in Tsholotsho that were a result of flooding.
Not only is the information important for villagers, but it also prepares authorities such as the Civil Protection Department to be pro-active instead of being reactive.
Speaking at the launch of the automatic weather station, the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate, Saviour Kasukuwere said Government remains committed to ensuring that weather information is reliable as it was key to development.
The minister hailed the relationship between the country and France which helped in the setting up of the automated station.
“After Independence, the thrust of the Government was to develop our rural areas, give people land and empower them. With agriculture being the mainstay of our economy, most of which relies on rainfall, it became clear to Government that weather and climate are essential to the success of the country,” said Kasukuwere. “The Meteorological Services Department had to be capacitated by both skilled human resources as well as infrastructure.
“The relationship between the MSD and Meteo France International, more so during the period in which Zimbabwe is under harsh economic sanctions imposed by the European Union, among others, the French Government, through the French Embassy, unlike other countries which turned their backs of the Meteorological Services Department, did not stop its private sector from engaging Zimbabwe.
“The private sector from France played a critical role by supplying the much needed meteorological equipment, including the automatic weather stations.
“I thank the Government and the people of France on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe, for being steadfast and taking a principled stand.”
Meteo France International (MFI) was created in 2002 by METEO FRANCE which is France’s National Meteorological Service and EGISAVIA Engineering.
The MFI is recognised as one of the leading players in the field of meteorology.
There are many projects lined up and being discussed that include setting up stations in the agriculture, health, transport, environment, water and tourism sectors.
Also speaking during the launch in Mutare, MFI’s representative, Patrick Benichou said the partnership between Met Department and MFI dates a long way back.
“The long story between Met Dept in Zimbabwe and Meteo France International started last century and led to significant achievements in the field of aviation meteorology among others,” Benichou said.
“Along time, this unique partnership relation developed, and survived the ups and downs of political relations with Europe.
“Key word was ‘mutual confidence’, and indeed trust was there, which allowed keeping projects alive.
“After years of stand-by, the inauguration of a high tech project to-day in the field of meteorology echoes the revival of Zimbabwe economic and political life. “However, beyond the new momentum given to economy here, the current context also includes the growing impact of meteorology and climate change on the country activities.
“In this challenging context, modernisation of Met Dept infrastructure is crucial, as well as capacity building and development of weather and climate services.
“With the full support of Météo-France and based on our strong partnership relation, we would be proud to strengthen our cooperation with MSD in the near future, for the benefit of Zimbabwe.”
The advantages of an automated weather observing systems include standardisation of network observations, both in time and quality, real-time continuous measuring of parameters on a 24/7 basis, great accuracy, more reliable, automatic data archiving, higher data resolution, collection of data in a greater volume, adjustable sampling interval for different parameters and data collection in harsh climates among others.