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The Rural Energy Agency (REA) is taking significant steps to make clean cooking energy more accessible and affordable for rural communities in Shinyanga Region.
Through a project worth TZS 545.54 million, REA plans to distribute 13,020 six-kilogram gas cylinders at a subsidized price to residents in rural and semi-urban areas.
During a special event at Ushetu District Hospital in Kahama, REA Project Engineer Ramadhani Mganga highlighted the government’s dedication to improving lives by promoting clean and safe cooking alternatives. At the event, REA distributed 100 six-kilogram gas cylinders, valued at TZS 4.1 million, to healthcare workers, expectant mothers, and caregivers of premature babies.
“This project ensures that even the most remote areas can benefit from clean energy solutions at an affordable cost,” Mganga said. He noted that the gas cylinders, priced at TZS 20,950, include all necessary accessories, making them a practical alternative to traditional fuels like firewood.
The initiative focuses on four districts in Shinyanga Region: Kishapu, Shinyanga, Ushetu, and Msalala. According to REA’s Acting Chief Executive, Martha Chassama, this collaboration between the government and private sector aims to uplift rural communities by providing modern, safe, and efficient cooking solutions.
“Our goal is to ensure that clean cooking energy reaches rural households, not just as a luxury but as a necessity. It’s about improving health, saving time, and reducing environmental degradation,” Chassama explained. She also emphasized the importance of using the gas cylinders safely and responsibly.
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Local leaders have praised the project, with Shinyanga Region Special Seats MP, Hon. Santiel Kirumba, expressing her gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritizing women’s welfare and environmental sustainability.
“Access to safe energy is transformative. It improves health, saves time, and empowers women economically. It also prevents gender-based violence by eliminating the need for women to collect firewood in unsafe areas. I deeply appreciate the president’s commitment to improving the lives of women and rural communities,” Hon. Kirumba said.
This project reflects Tanzania’s broader commitment to clean energy solutions and sustainable development. By integrating private sector support, the government ensures that rural households can transition to safer, cleaner cooking methods while reducing reliance on environmentally harmful practices.
The REA initiative also aligns with global goals for sustainable energy and environmental protection.
