The Rural Energy Board (REB) has commended Njombe prisons for taking a leading role in restoring natural vegetation by switching from firewood and charcoal to clean cooking energy.
The praise came on August 21, 2025, during the handover of 232 two-burner gas stoves and 15-kilogram gas cylinders to Njombe Regional Prisons staff. The initiative is being implemented by the government through the Rural Energy Agency (REA).
Florian Haule, representative of the REB Chairperson, applauded the prisons’ efforts in protecting the environment.
“I commend you for acknowledging the damage done to forests in the past and for taking responsibility to restore them. I hope this program of tree planting and forest conservation by Njombe District Prison will inspire all other prisons in the country,” he said.
REB Board Member Stephen Mwakifwamba added that the prisons’ example should be followed by other government institutions and communities to help restore natural vegetation nationwide.
Representing REA Director-General, Engineer Emmanuel Yesaya highlighted the impact of unsustainable cooking energy.
He noted that over 470 hectares of forest are lost every year for firewood and charcoal, while more than 33,000 Tanzanians die annually from exposure to harmful cooking smoke.
Joseph Mkude, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons and Head of Njombe Regional Prisons, called on officers and staff to serve as ambassadors for clean cooking energy.
He emphasized that adopting sustainable energy practices not only protects the environment but also promotes the health and well-being of communities.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting clean energy while restoring the country’s forests, demonstrating how small changes in energy use can have a lasting positive impact on both people and the planet.