FOOD vendors are among residents of Arusha city who have shifted from dirty to clean energy for cooking after receiving 1500 gas cylinders and stoves at the weekend.

Minister of State in the Vice President's Office (Union and Environment),  Selemani Jafo who presided over the handover ceremony said the move is meant to support efforts by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in encouraging the use of clean energy.

 He said the President initiated a campaign to encourage the use of clean energy in Africa, hence the need to support her endeavours. He said the use of firewood and charcoal in the country contributes to destruction of 46,242 hectares of forest each year.

“The President has a good intention of protecting the health of Tanzanians as well as the environment. The clean cooking energy campaign will save the lives of many women and girls who use dirty energy,” said the minister, adding that statistics show that women and girls spend an average of 20 hours per week looking for firewood and charcoal.

 Jafo commended Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited for providing the gas cylinders and stoves, saying the company has demonstrated a commitment to supporting transition from dirty to clean energy. The energy firm has so far donated 32,000 gas cylinders worth 2.7bn/- to various groups countrywide.

 “According to researchers, using clean energy for cooking helps maintain blood pressure for pregnant women and expectant mothers who use clean energy are likely to give birth to a child with an acceptable weight,” he said.

 Arusha Member of Parliament Mrisho Gambo said they decided to distribute the gas cylinders in support of President Samia's endeavours to promote the use of clean energy.

 Gambo added that his office had also distributed 1400 gas cylinders to food vendors within the city, noting the support from Oryx was crucial in achieving the target of ensuring city residents stop using charcoal and firewood.

 Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited director general Benoite Araman said the use of dirty energy poses a number of health risks including deaths. He said that in Tanzania, 33,000 people lose their lives every year by inhaling smoke and particles from charcoal and firewood.

 “Using gas prevents deforestation; prevents women from spending a lot of time looking for firewood and charcoal in the forest. It ensures efficiency in cooking,” he said.

 Asha Mtumwa, a food vendor, commended the legislator and the company for supporting them as they were spending too much money to purchase charcoal.