FOOD vendors in Mbeya Region have commended the government and stakeholders for promoting the use of clean cooking energy in the country.

The group is most affected health-wise from prolonged use of firewood and charcoal.

Speaking in Mbeya during the cooking competition that brought together 1,000 food vendors, they noted that committed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean energy by 2034 is commendable.

Yusra Ismail, a food vendor at Sabasaba area said decisions by Mbeya Urban Member of Parliament, Dr Tulia Ackson and Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited to organise the competition is commendable as it helped in increasing awareness on the use of clean energy in cooking activities.

“We are grateful to the energy firm and our MP for supporting our cooking activities; we can now cook fast. Using firewood and charcoal was time-consuming and has health implications,” she said.

Sabrina Anold from Ilomba ward said that the clean cooking energy competition was beneficial to food vendors as most of them have now shifted from dirty to clean energy.

“Dr Tulia and Oryx Gas have largely helped in increasing our understanding on the importance of using clean energy in cooking. Now that we are using gas, we can cook and we use our time effectively,” she added.

Yusuph Maumba, who participated in the cooking competition, said it has motivated Mbeya residents to use clean cooking energy, particularly gas, thus contributing to environmental protection.

He added that using firewood and charcoal had a number of challenges, such as high prices of charcoal and health risks.

Peter Ndomba, Manager, Clean Energy Projects at Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited, said the cooking competition targeted the group because it is among those affected with the use of dirty energy.

“Food vendors spend a lot of time cooking with charcoal, we are aware that many Tanzanians die each year from respiratory illnesses caused by the use of firewood and charcoal. Food vendors are the most affected, as they spend many hours cooking daily, all year round. Our company has embarked on a strategy to encourage them to switch to clean energy,” said Ndomba.

He added: “This campaign is continuous as we believe that clean cooking energy is the solution to many challenges, especially those related to health, environment, and the economy.”