The Deputy Minister for Energy, Judith Kapinga, announced that the government, through the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), is set to connect approximately 865 homes in Mtwara to the cooking gas system in areas where natural gas pipeline infrastructure already exists.
Speaking today, May 13, 2025, in the Parliament building in Dodoma, while responding to a question from Special Seats MP, Tunza Malipo, Kapinga outlined the government's strategy for connecting both institutions and households in Mtwara to the natural gas network for cooking purposes.
"In Mtwara Region, the government has already extended natural gas infrastructure to certain areas. To date, a total of 425 homes and 4 institutions have been connected to the natural gas network in Mtwara town," Kapinga confirmed.
"We have also completed the engineering designs for an additional 865 homes that will be connected to the system. This is a significant step towards ensuring more Tanzanians have access to clean cooking energy."
She added that the government has already made significant progress. “The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has instructed the Rural Energy Agency (REA) and TPDC to work closely together to expedite the connection of natural gas for the residents of Mtwara and Lindi,” Kapinga emphasized.
Kapinga also responded to a question from Temeke MP, Dorothy Kilave, who asked about the government's plans to speed up the connection of gas in key markets such as Sterio, Temeke, Keko, and Mtoni, which are frequented by street food vendors (Mama Lishe and Baba Lishe).
“We recognize the importance of these markets,” Kapinga said. “The government, through TPDC, has a strategy to expand natural gas connections to various locations within Dar es Salaam. We are already taking note of the specific markets mentioned and will assess how to best serve these areas.”she added
In another response, Momba MP, Kondesta Sichwale, inquired about the distribution of subsidized gas cylinders, raising concerns that the number of beneficiaries was still too small.
He suggested that the government distribute subsidized cylinders through ward leaders so that every citizen can pick up their gas cylinder with their NIDA identification.
“The government is committed to making clean cooking energy more accessible,” Kapinga stated. “We are starting the distribution of approximately 420,000 subsidized gas cylinders. Each citizen will be able to collect a cylinder using their NIDA number or NIDA ID card, ensuring that one cylinder goes to one individual.”she added
Kapinga added that, as part of this initiative, the government has set aside 3,255 cylinders for each district in the initial phase of the clean cooking energy strategy.
She reassured MPs that this strategy is long-term and sustainable, stating, “This is a ten-year plan, and we are fully committed to it. By the end of the decade, 80% of Tanzanians will be using clean cooking energy, aligning with the vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan for a cleaner, greener future for our country.”
Kapinga concluded by reiterating that the government’s focus is on sustainable and inclusive energy access.
"The National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy is not just a short-term goal, but part of our long-term commitment to the health and well-being of all Tanzanians," she said. "This is a critical step toward reducing deforestation and improving the quality of life for our people."