The Ministry of Energy has commenced an inspection exercise in Mwanza Region to evaluate the implementation of the government directive requiring all public and private institutions feeding more than 100 people to adopt clean cooking energy.
The inspection, led by the Director of Clean Cooking Energy, Nolasco Mlay, began in Ilemela Municipality where officials visited three secondary schools include Bwiru Boys Technical, Bwiru Girls, and Buswelu that have transitioned to clean cooking technologies under the CookFund Project.
The project is implemented by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in collaboration with the European Union (EU) through the Integrated Approach to Sustainable Clean Cooking Solutions programme.
Mr. Mlay said the exercise is part of the National Clean Cooking Strategy (2024–2034), which seeks to ensure that all institutions adopt environmentally friendly and health-conscious cooking methods.
He underscored that the ministry’s focus is on supporting the transition from traditional fuels such as charcoal and firewood to modern energy solutions like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity, and improved cookstoves.
He urged municipal and council directors to enforce the directive within their jurisdictions, noting that continued reliance on unsustainable energy sources contributes to deforestation, air pollution, and health risks.
“Institutions such as schools, hospitals, prisons, and military camps must embrace clean cooking technologies to protect the environment and public health,” he said.
Mr. Mlay also called on teachers to educate students about the benefits of clean energy use so that they become community ambassadors for behavioral change.
He observed that building awareness among youth is key to achieving long-term sustainability and social transformation.
Representing the Ilemela Municipal Secondary Education Officer, the Special Education Officer commended the ministry’s efforts and said ten schools within the municipality have already adopted clean cooking solutions.
She affirmed that the council is committed to expanding the initiative to other institutions.
Teachers from the visited schools said the shift to clean energy has enhanced safety and efficiency in meal preparation while lowering operational costs.
Energy experts also visited institutions still dependent on firewood and charcoal, advising them to upgrade their cooking systems in line with national policy.
The inspection reflects the government’s broader agenda to promote sustainable energy use and reduce environmental degradation by accelerating the adoption of clean cooking solutions nationwide.