Monduli District residents have been urged to abandon firewood and charcoal and embrace clean cooking energy as part of the national push for sustainable energy.
The move aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s target that by 2034, 80 percent of Tanzanians will use clean cooking energy.
The call was made by Nolasco Mlay, Director of Clean Cooking Energy at the Ministry of Energy, during a monitoring visit in Monduli to assess implementation of directives from the Vice President’s Office, which encourage the use of clean energy in institutions serving more than 100 people.
Mlay stressed that it is time for residents to shift focus from traditional fuels to safer, environmentally friendly energy options.
“Environmental sustainability is a global priority, and our President has taken the lead in promoting clean cooking energy. It is our responsibility to support this vision by uniting, discussing, and creating strategies to transition citizens from unsafe fuels to clean energy,” he said.
He praised Monduli District Council leaders for their active role in implementing government directives on clean cooking energy in public institutions.
“It is challenging for the government to identify local obstacles in every area. The commitment of council leaders is crucial as they provide firsthand insights into the challenges residents face, often without expecting any reward,” Mlay said.
He added that the government values such efforts, noting that the information provided by local leaders helps authorities take informed actions that benefit communities.
Adopting clean cooking energy not only reduces environmental degradation but also protects public health by minimizing exposure to harmful smoke from traditional fuels.
Experts say widespread adoption of clean energy is key to achieving Tanzania’s long-term sustainable development goals.