The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, announced on September 13, 2024 – announced that the government is intensifying efforts to improve access to clean cooking energy. This includes the provision of subsidized gas cylinders aimed at making clean and safe energy accessible to all Tanzanians.
To advance these efforts, the government has allocated subsidies for over 400,000 gas cylinders, which will be sold at half their original cost. These cylinders are being distributed across all regions of mainland Tanzania as part of an ongoing initiative.
Dr. Biteko made these remarks during a signing ceremony for cooperation agreements on the Clean Cooking Energy Initiative, valued at 50.98 billion shillings. The event took place in Dodoma and also included the inauguration of a new REA building.
“I am grateful to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her visionary leadership that has enabled the energy sector to make significant strides,” said Dr. Biteko. “Today’s advancements in the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy aim to save lives and address challenges within the Ministry of Energy, with the goal of providing quality services to the public.”
Regarding the clean cooking energy contracts, Dr. Biteko instructed the Rural Energy Agency (REA) and stakeholders to ensure visible results promptly. “It would be a great shame if Tanzanians saw contracts signed but no results. We must save lives by providing clean energy through these projects and seize every available opportunity,” he emphasized.
Dr. Biteko stressed that the clean cooking energy agenda is a collective responsibility and should be a priority for everyone.
On rural energy distribution, including electricity, he commended the REA Board for effectively managing rural projects and urged contractors to complete their work on time.
Addressing the newly inaugurated REA building, Dr. Biteko highlighted its role in enhancing service delivery. He praised REA for constructing the modern five-story building at 9.8 billion shillings, saving 3.2 billion shillings from the initial budget of 13 billion. “While the building is important, what matters more is the quality of services provided. The excellence of the building should be reflected in the services offered,” Dr. Biteko said.
He also directed Ministry of Energy officials to install solar power systems in Ministry buildings and its institutions as a practical demonstration of the use of affordable clean energy.
In a related statement, the Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Daniel Sillo, described the event as a symbol of collaboration between REA and military institutions. He expressed gratitude to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her commitment to combating climate change, forest resource management, and creating job opportunities through clean cooking energy.
Mr. Sillo noted that the signing of the contracts is part of implementing the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy (2024-2034), which aims to phase out the use of firewood and charcoal in institutions serving over 100 people, replacing them with clean cooking energy sources such as natural gas, electricity, biogas, and improved coal.
Currently, firewood is used for cooking in prisons and detention centers by 98%, but the strategy’s implementation will enable the use of clean cooking energy in these facilities. The Ministry of Home Affairs will oversee the proper management of allocated funds and equipment to achieve the desired outcomes, including training personnel to maintain and manage the installed infrastructure.
Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule congratulated REA for completing the modern building, which enhances Dodoma’s image. She also thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating 214 billion shillings for urban and rural electrification projects. In Dodoma, 92.2% of villages have access to electricity, with ongoing efforts to expand distribution.
She commended the President for promoting clean cooking energy and noted the increasing adoption of this energy by Tanzanians.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, stated that the signing of the contracts is in line with President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directives and the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy. He emphasized that REA is responsible for implementing these directives, which include installing clean cooking energy systems and distributing subsidized cooking gas cylinders to rural areas.
Earlier, REA Director General Engineer Hassan Saidy reported that relocating to the new building has saved 650 million shillings previously spent on rent, which will now be directed towards service improvements.
Regarding the clean cooking energy contracts, Saidy revealed that the contracts with the Prisons Department are valued at 35.23 billion shillings, with 75.5% funded by REA and 24.6% by the Prisons Department. These contracts will support various projects including biogas systems, LPG installations, and the distribution of clean cooking energy.
For the National Service (JKT), contracts worth 5.75 billion shillings will see 76% funded by REA and 24% by JKT. The funds will support projects in 22 JKT camps over two years, including biogas plants, clean cooking stoves, and training for 50,000 youths.
Other stakeholders signing clean cooking energy contracts include gas distribution companies like Taifa Gas, Manjis, Oryx, and Lake Oil, which will provide 452,445 gas cylinders at subsidized prices across Tanzania.