Govt places weight on gas projects to cut carbon emissions

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has continued to strengthen and execute gas projects located in the southern part of the country as part of its grand plan to conserve the environment and deal with the impacts of climate change.

Besides, Tanzania has extended recognition to Norway for backing the country’s efforts in dealing with impacts of climate change which includes the disbursement of 16bn/- as funds to support the course.

The Minister of State in the Vice-President Office responsible for Union and Environment affairs, Dr Selemani Jafo disclosed this during his meeting with the Ambassador of Norway in Tanzania Ms Tine Tonnes in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

“Tanzania recognises the support Norway has been extending in the country’s climate change endeavour…the two countries inked an agreement which led to the accumulation of 7bn/- and another 9bn/- went to support research and innovation at the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH),” said Dr Jafo.

According to him, the financing released by Norway in support of the climate change endeavour is the fruit of good relations which exists between the two countries.

In line with climate change, the Minister noted that the meeting with the Ambassador Tonnes also centred on the implementation of clean cooking energy projects.

Also, the Minister revealed the government’s intention to strengthen access to clean energy, underscoring the need to do away with the use of firewood and charcoal particularly in major entities which accommodate a large number of people.

Thus, expressed the commitment of Tanzania to encourage the use of clean energy particularly gas use in schools and universities abandoning the traditional methods of cooking which seem to be very costly.

For her part, Ambassador Tonnes said Norway’s intention is to invest in projects that aim to deal with impacts of climate change, particularly those related to clean energy.

She outlined projects including investing in biogas, hydro-electoral projects and hard waste.

“Majority of companies in Norway aim to invest on gas projects so as to reduce the rate of cutting down trees used as firewood for cooking,” she noted.