By Alfred Zacharia
The Managing Director of Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), Lazaro Twange, is intensifying efforts to promote electric cooking in the Lake Zone regions, aiming to reduce household dependence on charcoal and firewood.
During a recent inspection tour of electricity projects across the Lake Zone, Mr. Twange distributed energy-efficient electric stoves, locally known as majiko janja, to regional and district government leaders.
The initiative is part of TANESCO’s ongoing campaign to advance clean cooking energy in line with the national agenda.
“These stoves use very little electricity. We want our leaders to experience them firsthand and help raise awareness. They will become strong ambassadors for this technology,” Twange said during the handover in Shinyanga.
The stoves were presented to Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Anamringi Macha, Simiyu Regional Commissioner Kenani Kihongosi, Mwanza Regional Commissioner Saidi Mtanda, Nyamagana District Commissioner Amina Makilagi, and Shinyanga District Commissioner Julius Mtatiro.
Twange emphasized that while TANESCO focuses on providing reliable power, it also supports President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s agenda to encourage the use of clean energy for cooking.
“Our responsibility goes beyond electricity supply. We must also help advance the government’s vision for clean, affordable cooking energy,” he said.
Indoor air pollution from traditional cooking fuels like charcoal and firewood remains a major health risk in Tanzania. Environmental experts also warn of ongoing deforestation linked to these practices.
Shinyanga District Commissioner Julius Mtatiro praised TANESCO’s initiative, stressing the importance of practical education to change public habits.
“We appreciate the gift of this stove. We will use our community meetings to demonstrate its benefits,” Mtatiro said. “Our people are eager to learn, and we will educate them through action.”
Currently, only a small fraction of Tanzanian households cook with electricity, often due to misconceptions about cost and efficiency. Twange dismissed these concerns.
“People should not fear cooking with electricity. It is more affordable than they think,” he said.
TANESCO’s campaign to promote clean cooking energy aligns with broader government efforts to improve public health and environmental conservation by reducing reliance on polluting fuels.