By Alfred Zacharia
Dar es Salaam: THE Rural Energy Agency (REA) and the
Tanzania Prisons Service have initiated a jointly strategic collaboration of Sh35.2
billion project, aimed at promoting clean cooking energy solutions.
Unveiling the details during the ongoing 48th Dar es Salaam
International Trade Fair (DITF), REA’s Senior Engineer, Deusdedit Malulu said the
project encompasses the installation of clean cooking energy infrastructure in
126 prisons across mainland Tanzania.
“Our partnership with the Tanzania Prisons Service focuses
on establishing robust infrastructure to support clean cooking energy.
Contracts have been finalized to ensure the timely completion of these
essential installations,” Mr Malulu noted.
The project commenced in 2024 with REA offers 75 percent of
the total budget as its counterpart Tanzania Prisons Service contributes 24.6
per cent.
Of the Sh35.2 billion, Sh26.5 billion will be sourced from
REA and 8.6 billion the Tanzania Prisons Service.
“As part of our commitment within prisons, REA has begun
installing biogas infrastructure across 126 facilities. Additionally, we are
facilitating the distribution of 15,920 gas cylinders to prison staff,
supporting their transition to cleaner energy alternatives,” Malulu added.
Furthermore, REA is facilitating the acquisition of
equipment for prisons to produce alternative charcoal, with plans to establish
61 units. The initiative also includes the provision of 977 efficient stoves
designed to operate using alternative charcoal and minimal firewood.
Eng. Malulu added that REA aims to expand similar energy
solutions to other critical institutions such as military bases and schools.
Engineer Evance Kabingo, said is fully utilizing the ongoing
Sabasaba exhibitions create public awareness on the benefits of electricity for cooking.
“Despite achieving a 98 per cent electrification rate in
many rural areas, reliance on nonclean energy sources like firewood and
charcoal persists. REA continues to promote electricity as a safe and efficient
cooking energy option, showcasing electric stoves that are environmentally
friendly and cost-effective,” Kabingo explained.
The Sabasaba exhibition provides a platform for REA to
engage with the public, demonstrating the capabilities of electric stoves that
consume only 0.45 units of electricity per use, costing approximately 165/- for
preparing a family meal.