The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has emphasized that it is now Africa’s time to transition to clean cooking energy, to protect both health and the environment from the harmful effects of using unclean energy sources like firewood and charcoal.
President Samia made these remarks today, September 27, 2024, while inaugurating the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Girls' Secondary School in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region, which is equipped with clean cooking energy systems.
"What pleased me most upon arriving here is the use of clean cooking energy. This is a project close to my heart, aimed at benefiting the women of Africa," she stated.
She noted that many women across Africa suffer from illnesses caused by using unclean energy sources, such as firewood, leading to premature deaths.
President Samia further stressed that moving forward, the government will prioritize large institutions, including schools with over 100 people, by installing clean cooking energy systems.
Earlier, Deputy Minister of Energy, Hon. Judith Kapinga, explained that the clean energy project at the school was implemented through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), with Oryx Gas sponsoring a large 1,750-kilogram gas cylinder.
"This system will allow the school to cook for a month and a half to two months. Currently, they have around 500 students, but these stoves can serve up to 800 students," Kapinga elaborated.
She added that in addition to installing the systems, the school has also received education on the proper use of clean cooking energy.