Sophia Mwakagenda, a Special Seats MP from Chadema, has called for a reduction in the cost of clean cooking energy to make it affordable for low-income citizens, urging that this is essential for the success of the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy for 2024-2034.
The strategy aims to increase the use of clean cooking energy to 80% of Tanzanians by encouraging the shift away from traditional, harmful energy sources such as firewood and charcoal.
Speaking during the 63rd anniversary celebrations of Tanganyika's independence, Mwakagenda stressed that clean cooking energy is a key issue, particularly in this era of rapid human development and environmental challenges.
She emphasized that the transition to cleaner energy sources is not only a health and environmental necessity but also an economic one, as it can improve the quality of life for millions of Tanzanians.
As a member of the Energy and Minerals Committee, Mwakagenda has actively supported the cause.
In a recent initiative, she distributed 1,000 gas cylinders to households in Rungwe District to promote the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a cleaner alternative.
"While efforts are being made to reduce costs, I urge the government and stakeholders to prioritize accelerating this transition. It is astonishing that, even after 63 years of independence, many Tanzanians still rely on harmful and inefficient energy sources such as firewood and charcoal," Mwakagenda remarked.
She also called for the strategy’s implementation to be reflected in public institutions, such as prisons, schools, and military camps, to set an example for the wider population.
Peter Kelvini, a resident of Rungwe District, added that the cost of renewable energy sources, such as biogas from cow dung, electricity, and cooking gas, needs to be lowered to enable a wider adoption.
He emphasized that reducing the cost of these alternative energy sources would encourage people to move away from using firewood and charcoal, benefiting both the environment and public health.
Mwakagenda’s call for more affordable clean cooking energy aligns with the broader goals of ensuring that all Tanzanians, regardless of their income level, have access to safe and sustainable cooking solutions.