Urambo Agricultural Prison in Tabora is taking a big step toward modern, sustainable energy use as the government, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), begins installing three advanced cookstoves powered by alternative charcoal, complete with their cooking pots.
The move is part of a nationwide push to expand the use of clean cooking energy in institutions serving over 100 people, improving efficiency, health, and environmental safety.
Speaking during an official visit to the prison, Director of Clean Cooking Energy, Mr. Nolasco Mlay, said the government is committed to increasing access to clean cooking technologies across public institutions.
“We are strengthening infrastructure with modern, environmentally friendly systems such as improved cookstoves and gas facilities,” he said.
Urambo Prison already has a functional gas system and is set to receive four additional gas stoves. The new alternative charcoal stoves will complement this setup, further promoting the use of clean energy in prisons nationwide.
The Warden of Urambo Agricultural Prison, Mr. Joseph Mzumara, commended the government for reducing reliance on unsafe energy sources like firewood, which can harm health and the environment.
“Previously, we faced major challenges sourcing firewood from far-off areas. Now, with alternative charcoal, staff can dedicate more time to productive economic activities rather than collecting energy,” he said.
Mr. Mzumara also thanked the Ministry of Energy for ensuring that all prison staff have access to gas stoves, allowing them to cook efficiently and focus on other responsibilities.
Looking ahead, Urambo Prison plans to leverage its livestock resources to produce biogas, creating a sustainable, self-sufficient source of clean cooking energy for the facility.
This initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to modernize energy use in public institutions, protect the environment, and improve operational efficiency across the country.