SINGIDA: THE Rural Energy Agency (REA) has begun distributing improved cooking stoves at subsidized prices in Singida as part of efforts to implement the national clean cooking energy strategy. The program aims to ensure that over 80 percent of Tanzanians use safe and environmentally friendly cooking energy by 2034.
Speaking during the distribution in Irongero Ward and Division, Nathan Msanze, REA’s Project Officer for Singida, said that 6,692 improved stoves have been distributed across all councils in the region.
The stoves were allocated as follows: Ikungi – 1,116; Iramba – 1,116; Itigi – 1,115; Manyoni – 1,115; Mkalama – 1,115; and Singida – 1,115. Residents will purchase the stoves at subsidized prices, with the government covering 85% of the cost of each stove.
“These stoves use less firewood and charcoal, reducing energy consumption and smoke emissions compared to traditional stoves,” said Msanze. He added that the national program plans to sell 200,000 improved stoves at subsidized prices with high efficiency.
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The total cost of the project in Singida is 340,288,200/-, of which REA provides a subsidy of 289,230,508.47/-, while residents contribute 51,057,691.53/-.
The cost of one stove is 50,847.46/-, but after the 85% subsidy, each resident pays 7,600/-. The project’s service provider is Tango Energy Limited.
Residents of Irongero Ward, led by the Ward Councilor Issa Mwiru, praised the initiative and commended President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for providing the improved stoves at subsidized prices, which will benefit many households.