SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Dr Tulia Ackson (pictured) has challenged food vendors and residents in Mbeya Region to use clean energy, specifically gas to protect the environment and save time for economic activities.

Dr Tulia, who is the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), made the remarks on Monday at Uyole street in Mbeya alongside representatives from a local gas company—one of the stakeholders dedicated to championing the clean cooking energy drive. She emphasized that it is high time for the residents to shift from dirty to cleaner sources of energy.

The Mbeya Urban Member of Parliament also demonstrated to the residents on how to use gas in cooking whereas she cooked food at one of the restaurants.

While at the restaurant, Dr. Tulia explained that the goal was to promote clean energy use in support of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s campaign to ensure Tanzanians abandon the use of charcoal and firewood.

She added that Tanzanians are learning from President Samia, who is the champion of clean energy drive in and outside the country. She said Tanzanians need to support the presidents by ensuring they use clean energy in cooking.

“When cooking with gas you do not only protect the environment but also your health. Using gas saves time, thus allowing people to engage in other economic activities,” she added.

OGTL Project Manager for clean cooking energy, Peter Ndomba said they have been assisting various groups, including food vendors in accessing clean cooking energy.

Ndomba said since the clean energy promotion campaign began, they have distributed over 70,000 gas cylinders and stoves.

“We understands President Samia Suluhu's mission to ensure that within the next 10 years, 80 percent of Tanzanians should be using clean cooking energy, and our company has embraced this agenda practically.” He said.

He said the company has noticed that many food vendors still use firewood and charcoal, hence decisions to initiate a campaign to encourage them to use gas—an endeavour they are implementing in collaboration with the Tulia Trust Foundation.

“We are optimistic that many people will adopt clean energy and specifically gas. Groups such as food vendors are heavily reliant on firewood and charcoal, this method of cooking puts their lives at risk,” he said, adding that over 33,000 Tanzanians die each year due to the use of dirty energy in cooking.

He said the company together with Tulia Trust Foundation has this week distributed 1,000 gas cylinders and stoves to food vendors in Mbeya Region.