THE Tanzania Prison Service has begun using clean cooking energy in its various units across the country.

Jeremiah Katungu, the Prisons commissioner general, made this observation at the final day of a meeting with officers in the department, at the headquarters of the force in Msalato area of the capital.

He said the shift is part of the department’s efforts to assist in government efforts to reduce environmental pollution and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Introducing clean cooking energy in prisons nationwide was one of the major accomplishments of the service for the past year, he said, noting that the department has implemented an E-Office system at headquarters.

This had enabled online hearings of court cases for prisoners and remandees, an initiative that is crucial step for the service, he stated, highlighting that it helps to expedite the cases and alleviate overcrowding in detention facilities.

He expressed satisfaction with government investments in the service, enabling the prison system to operate more efficiently.

Key achievements of the department in the past year include a visible reduction of overcrowding in prisons, facilitated by strong cooperation with other criminal justice institutions such as the courts, the police, Immigration and the Public Prosecutions division.

Correctional programs for inmates were initiated, including counselling, agriculture, environment management, sports and vocational training, assisted by the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA).

Hailing the agency for providing certification for prisoners, he expressed optimism for the coming year, projecting greater cooperation and harmony among officers and staff.

He similarly reminded them to register in the permanent voter register to ensure they can participate in the general election later this year.

 CP Nicodemus Tenga, the Legal Affairs and Prison Operations commissioner, urged officers and staff to work diligently and strategically to achieve the set goals they have been assigned.