THE government has promised to intensify community awareness campaigns to ensure that 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2030.

Deputy Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment) Khamis Hamza Khamisi made the statement in Dar es Salaam at the weekend at a sports bonanza organized by an environmental ambassador Grit Mwimanzi in collaboration with Vingunguti Ward jogging clubs union.

The event aimed to highlight the importance of clean cooking energy and environmental conservation.

He underscored the importance of promoting adoption of clean cooking energy, citing the increasing environmental damage, climate change impacts and health issues associated with traditional fuels like firewood and charcoal.

“Promoting clean cooking energy is a key priority for the government which has been instrumental in reiterating this issue,” said.

Khamisi said that the Vice President’s Office has implemented several awareness strategies, including a national dialogue on clean cooking energy held in 2022, which has provided clear guidelines for transitioning from traditional energy sources.

Khamisi emphasized that clean cooking energy is safe, affordable, sustainable and readily accessible.

“The government in collaboration with various stakeholders works to encourage communities to move away from toxic and greenhouse gas-emitting energy sources,” he said.

He said that reliance on non-clean cooking energy is linked to environmental degradation such as deforestation for firewood and charcoal which exacerbates drought and impacts ecological systems.

The deputy minister further said the government was also collaborating with the private sector and research institutions to expand energy technologies, equipment and commercial systems to reduce the cost of clean cooking energy.

He highlighted Tanzania’s commitment to leading national, regional and international initiatives to ensure clean cooking energy remains a priority, urging citizens to support government efforts.

In addition, Khamisi urged Tanzanians to stop invading and damaging water sources through activities like agriculture which cause major environmental harm.

“Let us continue educating people about planting environmentally friendly trees and avoid agriculture along river banks to protect our environment. Communities are essential protectors and conservators of our natural resources,” he said.

Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo stressed the importance of environmental conservation, encouraging the society to embrace tree-planting and participate in the monthly environmental clean-up activities held on the last Saturday of each month.

“Environmental conservation is a collective responsibility. I urge everyone to engage in tree-planting and support the use of clean cooking energy as part of our commitment to the government’s efforts,” he said.

In his remarks, Mwimanzi called for more concerted efforts to promote clean cooking energy to support the government’s goal of environmental protection and improving Tanzanians’ health.