Lilungu Maximum Security Prison has been recognized for significantly cutting its food preparation costs by adopting clean cooking energy specifically, natural gas.
According to the prison's head, Assistant Commissioner Abdallah Missanga, the transition to natural gas has reduced cooking expenses by nearly 50%. He made these remarks during a visit by the Chairman of the Rural Energy Board (REB), Ambassador (Ret.) Major General Jacob Kingu, who toured the Mtwara Region to assess progress on various projects implemented by the Rural Energy Agency (REA).
“Since we began using gas, the benefits have been substantial. Not only have we seen a marked improvement in the health of staff working in the kitchens, but our monthly expenses have also decreased significantly,” said Commissioner Missanga. “Previously, when we relied on firewood, we spent between TZS 3 million and 4 million each month. Now, with gas, those costs have dropped to between TZS 1.5 million and 1.9 million.”
Chairman Kingu commended the prison for its swift implementation of the directive issued by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, which mandates that all institutions serving more than 100 individuals adopt safe and clean cooking energy solutions.
“We are pleased to witness the real world execution of President Samia's directive,” said .Kingu. “The Ministry of Energy, through REA and other affiliated institutions, remains committed to advancing clean energy access across public institutions.”
He further revealed that REA has signed agreements with the Prisons Service to ensure correctional officers also benefit from clean cooking energy.
To date, REA has successfully installed clean cooking systems in all 129 prisons nationwide, with similar initiatives underway in various National Service (JKT) camps.
Lilungu Prison, established in 1952, began using natural gas in 2022 following its installation by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).
