EWURA urges Geita residents to switch to clean cooking energy

GEITA: THE Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) in Geita Region has called on residents to stop using environmentally harmful energy sources.

EWURA Customer Service Officer Bwanawadi Omari said energy sources such as firewood and charcoal have contributed to deforestation and posed health risks, particularly for women and children. He made the remarks yesterday during the launch of Oryx Gas’s new store in Chato District.

The launch was attended by clean energy stakeholders and local residents.

“Experts tell us that to produce charcoal, a tree must be harvested and left to mature for five years, and it depends on the transition from one tree to another. When we talk about clean cooking energy, we mean technology that is environmentally friendly,” Mr. Omari explained.

“It is also more affordable in one way or another, and it does not produce toxins. For example, charcoal generates many harmful substances, whereas clean cooking energy does not. We remember that in the past, our grandmothers and mothers who used firewood and charcoal for long periods had red eyes, and some were even called witches,” he added.

Mr. Omari praised Oryx Gas’s decision to open a store selling gas cylinders, saying it will allow citizens to access clean cooking energy locally while promoting environmentally friendly cooking practices.

Earlier, Oryx Gas Tanzania Sales Manager Alex Wambi said the store launch is part of the company’s strategy to support government efforts to promote clean cooking energy across the country.

Oryx Gas Tanzania has been working to bring clean cooking energy closer to citizens through the new store selling Oryx gas cylinders and stoves in Chato District, Geita Region.

“In Geita Region, Oryx Gas already has 11 stores, and we plan to open more, aiming for at least 20 by the end of the year. We are doing this to fully support the success of the clean energy policy,” Wambi said.

He added, “We are implementing a strategy to bring services closer to our customers through these stores, where we also aim to make gas cylinders, especially affordable ones, easily accessible. The stores also provide education on the proper use of clean cooking energy.”

Wambi emphasized that Oryx Gas’s current strategy is to ensure every citizen, including those in remote areas, has access to clean cooking energy, which is why the company is opening stores in underserved locations.