Tanzania targets 80pc clean cooking access in 10 years
DODOMA: THE government has embarked on a strategic plan to distribute subsidised gas cylinders over a 10-year period, aiming to ensure that 80 per cent of Tanzanians have access to clean cooking energy.
Speaking in the National Assembly yesterday, Deputy Minister for Energy Judith Kapinga said the initiative began with the distribution of 420,000 subsidised gas cylinders, with each district receiving an average of 3,255 cylinders in the first phase of implementation.
She said that the government’s objective is for each eligible citizen to receive one cylinder using their National Identification Number (NIDA), a measure designed to ensure fairness and equal access to the subsidy.
Ms Kapinga was responding to a supplementary question from Momba MP Condester Sichwale (CCM), who proposed the cylinders to be distributed through ward administrators’ offices, allowing citizens to present their NIDA ID, register and access the service more conveniently.
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Ms Sichwale observed that the current method, distributing cylinders through small, scattered gatherings has led to many citizens missing out on the opportunity.
In response, Ms Kapinga thanked the MP for the suggestion and affirmed that the government is open to reviewing the distribution model to ensure the process remains fair, transparent and efficient.
She added that the programme is being implemented sustainably, with close supervision at each stage to prevent misuse and ensure proper allocation.
Earlier, Special Seats MP Tunza Malapo asked about the government’s strategy for connecting gas directly to institutions and households in the Mtwara Region.
In her response, Ms Kapinga said the government continues to expand the supply of piped natural gas to homes and institutions, particularly in southern regions.
She further said that in Mtwara, 425 homes and four institutions have already been connected through the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), with plans underway to connect an additional 865 homes in various parts of the region.
In a supplementary question, the MP Malapo pressed for clarity on when the remaining 865 homes would be connected, highlighting that piped gas is more affordable for low-income earners than bottled gas.
Mr Kapinga responded that engineering designs for the connections had been completed and that the implementation could begin at any time.
In another supplementary question, Temeke MP Dorothy Kilave (CCM) asked whether the government see it important to connecting gas services to the Temeke, Sterio, Keko and Mtoni markets, where many vendors, especially women, cook food and could benefit from clean energy options.
In response, the deputy minister said that TPDC has a comprehensive plan to expand gas services across key areas of Dar es Salaam and applications from the mentioned markets had been received and were under review for future connection.
