Residents of Usevya Village in Mlele District, Katavi Region, have expressed their appreciation to the Government of Tanzania for its continued efforts to provide access to clean cooking energy through subsidized gas stoves, under the coordination of the Rural Energy Agency (REA).
The praise came on August 12, 2025, during the distribution of six-kilogram LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders and accompanying stoves at a subsidized price of TZS 19,500 per unit.
"We are grateful to the Government for bringing us these stoves. They will significantly ease our daily lives. These stoves are also an environmental savior I believe tree-cutting will be greatly reduced," said Davis Majaliwa, a resident of Usevya.
Christina Sindano, another resident, extended her gratitude to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for spearheading the initiative.
She emphasized how the program is especially beneficial to women, who are often most affected by traditional cooking methods.
Usevya Village Chairperson, Focus Kapongwa, highlighted that the community has long relied on firewood and charcoal for cooking. He believes the arrival of this project will help curb indiscriminate tree-cutting.
"We are thankful for this support. The cost of charcoal has become too high, and these stoves will help reduce the overall cost of living," Kapongwa added.
Dr. Joseph Sambali, Gender and Energy Specialist at REA, stated that the project is being implemented in collaboration with Taifa Gas Limited. A total of 3,255 six-kilogram LPG cylinders, each with a stove and burner, will be distributed across every district in the Katavi Region at a subsidized rate.
“These stoves are heavily subsidized the government is covering most of the cost. The aim is to make clean cooking energy affordable and accessible for every citizen,” said Dr. Sambali.
He further emphasized the importance of presenting a National ID (NIDA) to ensure fair distribution and prevent individuals from collecting more than one unit.
Mlele District Executive Director, Yahaya Mbulu, called on residents to embrace such opportunities provided by the Government, especially those aimed at protecting public health and the environment.
“The Government, led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has prioritized clean cooking energy. It’s estimated that nearly 31,000 people die annually due to the use of unsafe cooking fuels,” Mbulu pointed out.
He urged people to stop cutting down trees and instead take advantage of the subsidized gas stoves being made available.
REA is currently implementing the National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy, with a goal of ensuring that by 2034, at least 80% of Tanzanians are no longer using unsafe and polluting fuels for cooking.