By Our Reporter, Dodoma
The Member of Parliament for Mtumba, Anthony Mavunde, in partnership with Oryx Gas Company, has launched initiatives to empower “Mama Lishe” and “Baba Lishe” in the constituency by distributing 1,000 gas stoves and pledging the establishment of nutrition clubs in every ward.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mavunde said the program aims to improve the health of food vendors, enhance efficiency in their daily work, and protect the environment by reducing the use of charcoal and firewood.
“Through these clubs, we will connect Mama Lishe with training on entrepreneurship, project management, vegetable farming, financial management, and access to soft loans to help them escape exploitative lending practices known locally as ‘kausha damu,’” Mavunde said.
He also emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to promote the use of clean energy for cooking.
“The people of Mtumba, in collaboration with the government, will continue to create an enabling environment for small-scale entrepreneurs, including access to clean energy solutions for various community groups,” he added.
Peter Ndomba, Head of Training at Oryx Gas, urged food vendors to completely stop using charcoal and firewood, highlighting the health risks associated with smoke inhalation, including respiratory, eye, and heart problems.
Mama Lishe and Baba Lishe who received the stoves expressed gratitude to Mavunde, saying the support will reduce their dependence on firewood and charcoal, improve their working conditions, and increase productivity in their daily activities.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to promote clean energy, enhance livelihoods, and empower women and men entrepreneurs across Mtumba constituency.