Morogoro District Commissioner (DC) Mussa Kilakala has praised the Ministry of Energy for strengthening public awareness on clean cooking energy, saying improved access to reliable information will help more Tanzanians adopt safer and environmentally friendly cooking solutions.
Speaking yesterday during the opening of a clean cooking energy workshop for journalists and government communication officers in Morogoro, Mr Kilakala said the media has a critical role in educating citizens about the benefits of clean cooking energy and supporting the country’s transition towards sustainable energy use.
The workshop, held at Morena Hotel, brought together journalists, communication officers from regions, government institutions, ministries and agencies under the Ministry of Energy to enhance reporting and public engagement on clean cooking initiatives.
Mr Kilakala said promoting clean cooking energy was particularly important for Morogoro, which has several key water sources that require protection from environmental degradation.
He said increased adoption of clean cooking solutions would help reduce pressure on forests caused by reliance on firewood and charcoal, while also contributing to improved public health and conservation of natural resources.
“Accurate information reaching citizens will help communities understand the importance and benefits of clean cooking energy. This will encourage more people, especially in rural areas, to embrace safer and affordable cooking options,” he said.
The DC urged participants to use the knowledge gained from the training to provide professional and impactful coverage of clean cooking energy issues in their respective areas.
He said stronger public awareness campaigns would support Tanzania’s goal of ensuring 80 percent of citizens use clean cooking energy by 2034.
The government has identified clean cooking energy as a key priority in addressing environmental challenges, reducing health risks associated with traditional cooking methods, and improving the quality of life for households across the country.
