DODOMA: DODOMA Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule has launched a programme for the distribution of improved cook stoves at subsidised prices, aimed at reducing the use of charcoal and firewood.
The stoves are supplied by L’S Solution LTD, importer of modern efficient cooking stoves, under the Rural Energy Agency (REA) and will be distributed across Kondoa, Bahi, Chemba, Chamwino, Kongwa and Mpwapwa districts.
Speaking to reporters in the capital city recently, Regional Commissioner said the modern stoves, which use significantly less charcoal and firewood, are being sold at discounted prices as the government is covering 80 per cent of the cost, leaving citizens to pay the remaining 20 per cent, which is affordable to the majority of Dodoma residents.
“These stoves are subsidised by the government. A stove that would normally be sold for 56,000/- will now be sold for 11,200/- because the government, through the Ministry of Energy, has contributed 80 per cent of the price. A citizen will only contribute 20 per cent but will receive a brand-new, modern stove ready for use,” she said.
RC Senyamule added that Dodoma Region has been allocated approximately 10,660 stoves, which will be distributed across the six districts, excluding Dodoma City, with each district receiving 1,777 stoves.
She urged residents to take advantage of the opportunity by visiting designated centres early to follow up on the programme.
The cookstoves will be distributed through wards, with beneficiaries required to present a National Identification Number (NIN) or National ID card, along with the specified cash payment.
She further urged residents to turn out in large numbers to support the efforts of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to eliminate the use of dirty energy by 2030.
Meanwhile, Clean Energy Project Manager from REA, Engineer Emmanuel Yesaya, thanked RC Senyamule for granting approval to implement the programme in Dodoma Region and assured her that the exercise would be carried out efficiently in accordance with the contract signed with the supplier.
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The programme is being rolled out as the government, through its National Clean Cooking Strategy (2024–2034), demonstrates its unwavering commitment to advancing the clean cooking agenda as part of global efforts to address climate change.
Recognising the importance of cooking energy, the government has taken various measures to ensure cooking solutions are efficient, safe, affordable and accessible, with the aim of increasing nationwide adoption of clean cooking technologies.
To address these challenges, the government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, developed the National Clean Cooking Strategy 2024–2034, which targets an 80 per cent adoption rate of clean cooking among Tanzanians by 2034.
This agenda is also championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was recognised by African Union (AU) member states as a champion of clean cooking during the COP28 summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
During the closure of the second African Group of Negotiators (AGN) meeting on climate change held in Dar es Salaam in August this year, the group’s Chairperson, Dr Richard Muyungi, reiterated Tanzania’s commitment to maintaining its leadership role in ensuring that at least 80 per cent of Tanzanians have access to clean cooking energy by 2030.