THE Parliamentary committee on Energy and Minerals has directed the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) to partner with the private sector in seeking funds for implementation of its alternative charcoal project.
Environmentally-friendly charcoal, which is also known as the green charcoal, is aimed at saving trees which are increasingly cut down for making charcoal.
With this situation, STAMICO came up with a project to manufacture alternative charcoal called ‘Rafiki Briquette.’
It is smokeless briquettes made from coal dust mixed with other materials for domestic use.
The committee made the directive in Dar es Salaam on Monday after inspecting a factory for making the product.
Deputy Chairperson of the committee, Ms Judith Kapinga emphasised on the importance of partnership between the government institutions and private sector players for successful implementation of public projects.
“We (committee) have directed STAMICO to collaborate with the private sector so as to get more funds for facilitating this project instead of waiting for the government funds,” said Ms Kapinga.
She also credited STAMICO for coming up with such project which aims at reducing consumption of charcoal which pollutes the environment and affect human health.
“This project is important. It must be developed to make those who depend on cutting trees for making charcoal to find an alternative income-generating activities that do not affect the environment,” she stated.
On his part, the STAMICO’s Board Chairman, retired Major General Michael Isamuhyo said the pilot project for the production of green charcoal has shown great success.
He said following the successful pilot project, the ministry has directed massive production of the product for domestic use.
“We have started to produce an alternative charcoal, although it is still in a small amount, but the people have shown interest in it,” said Maj Gen Isamuhyo.
Apart from a factory in Dar es Salaam, STAMICO plans to install machines in other plants in Dodoma and Geita Regions for making the product.
