The government, through the Ministry of Energy, has called on citizens to abandon unsafe cooking fuels and switch to clean energy sources such as electricity and gas.
The move is aimed at protecting public health, preserving the environment, and boosting household economies.
The appeal was made yesterday by Mr. Deo Alex, representative of the Director of Clean Cooking Energy at the Ministry of Energy, during the Women and Entrepreneurs Conference on Economic Opportunities held in Mbeya.
Mr. Alex reminded participants that in 2022, President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed the development of a National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy, marking the beginning of the country’s transition to safe cooking fuels.
Following the directive, the Ministry prepared the strategy and officially launched it in 2024. Implementation is now in full swing.
He warned that the use of unsafe cooking fuels is a major contributor to environmental degradation and serious health risks, including cancer, respiratory infections, pregnancy complications, and premature births.
“The cost of treating cancer is far higher than the investment in clean cooking energy, such as a gas cylinder,” Mr. Alex said, urging households to adopt safe energy for the sake of health and the environment.
The strategy has also created new business opportunities, allowing entrepreneurs to become agents for gas and other alternative energy sources. Recommended clean fuels include electricity, gas, and alternative charcoal.
Women attending the conference expressed appreciation to the Ministry for raising awareness on clean cooking energy and called for the campaign to reach villages across the country.
The conference was organized by the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, in collaboration with the Mbeya Regional Commissioner’s Office, under the theme: “Seize Opportunities, Build Today and Your Tomorrow.”