Tanzania Prisons receive 330 gas cylinders in clean energy campaign
BABATI: THE Tanzanian government, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), has distributed gas cylinders and stoves to staff of the Tanzania Prisons Service as part of a national strategy to promote the use of clean cooking energy among public servants and the general population.
Speaking during the official launch of the distribution exercise held at Babati Prison in Manyara Region, the Chairman of the Rural Energy Board (REB), Ambassador Major General (Retired) Jacob Kingu, said the initiative is a key step toward achieving the goals outlined in the national strategy for clean cooking energy.
He revealed that so far, a total of 330 gas cylinders and stoves have been distributed to Prisons Service staff in Manyara Region. Of these, 150 sets have specifically been allocated to staff at Babati Prison.
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“REA has entered into an agreement with the Tanzania Prisons Service to ensure that all prisons in the country transition from unsafe energy sources to clean and safe cooking energy,” said Ambassador Kingu. He added that since January 2025, the Prisons Service has officially begun using clean energy, completely moving away from polluting and hazardous fuels that pose risks to health and the environment.
REA Director General, Engineer Hassan Saidy, urged prison staff to support President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s agenda by becoming ambassadors of clean cooking energy in their communities.
In a related development, Engineer Saidy announced that preparations are underway to launch 126 biogas production systems in collaboration with the Prisons Service. The project will also include the procurement of 61 machines for producing alternative charcoal, as well as capacity-building programs for prison staff to support the sustainability of these energy initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Regional Prisons Commander for Manyara, ACP Solomon Mwambingu, expressed gratitude to President Samia for the vital support. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Prisons Service to continue being role models and ambassadors for the use of clean cooking energy in surrounding communities.
