Dar es Salaam. On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, a groundbreaking initiative was launched in Dodoma to promote clean cooking energy and significantly impact rural communities.
The project marked the start of the government’s effort to distribute 19,530 subsidized gas cylinders, an investment of Sh406.7 million, spearheaded by the Rural Energy Agency (REA) in partnership with Lake Gas Ltd.
The significance of this initiative was highlighted by the Regional Commissioner of Dodoma, Ms Rosemary Senyamule, who announced that through this project, gas cylinders will be sold at a subsidized rate of 50 percent.
This, she said, will bring the price down to Sh20,825 per cylinder from the previous price of Sh41,650.
“The project aims not just to provide affordable cooking solutions but also to promote healthier and environmentally friendly energy use,” she asserted.
Mr Emanuel Yesaya, the Acting Director General of REA, outlined the distribution plan, which includes sending 3,255 cylinders to each of the six districts in Dodoma.
“Our goal is to enhance access to clean cooking energy services, fostering both economic and social development in rural and peri-urban areas,” he stated.
He said REA is committed to ensuring that households can access clean cooking energy, safeguarding their health while protecting the environment.
Mr Yesaya highlighted the broader benefits of the initiative, stating that they would provide education on the safe and efficient use of gas.
“This project is more than just about the cylinders; it’s about empowering our communities with the knowledge to use this energy safely and effectively,” he explained.
Ms Janeth Mayanja, the District Commissioner of Chamwino, spoke about the environmental impact of the initiative.
She noted that by reducing reliance on firewood and charcoal, the project would help decrease deforestation, combat climate change, and mitigate health risks associated with smoke inhalation.
“This initiative is not just about cooking; it’s about creating a healthier future for our families and our environment,” she affirmed.
Moreover, Ms Mayanja pointed out that the project would alleviate poverty by enabling women to engage more in economic activities.
“Using gas cylinders frees up time that women previously spent gathering firewood, allowing them to participate in income-generating activities,” she explained.
As the sun set over Chamwino, the excitement in the air was palpable. Families looked forward to the day when they could enjoy the benefits of clean cooking energy, free from the burdens of traditional methods.
The government’s investment in this project represents a significant stride towards sustainable development, promising to transform lives across Dodoma.
With every gas cylinder distributed, a step is taken toward a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future, where energy access becomes a right for all, rather than a privilege for the few.
