SOME food vendors in Kishapu District, Shinyanga Region, have stated that using cooking gas significantly reduces costs compared to charcoal.

They made the statements at different times yesterday when the Kishapu MP, Boniphace Butondo, distributed gas stoves to food vendors in the area to help reduce the use of harmful air pollutants.

Masunga Kazi shared that for him, charcoal use is a thing of the past. He explained that he used to consume three bags of charcoal per day, with each bag costing between 9,000/- and 10,000/-.

He contrasted this with gas usage, which costs 23,000/- per month to refill, providing a hassle-free cooking experience compared to the issues associated with charcoal.

Janety Philipo mentioned that when using charcoal or firewood, the smoke often bothers her, but due to financial constraints, she has no choice but to continue using them.

MP Butondo emphasized that the government is undertaking extensive measures to combat climate change and is encouraging citizens to switch to clean cooking energy to reduce reliance on charcoal and firewood which contribute to deforestation and environmental degradation.

“I have already distributed 260 gas stoves, and I will continue to provide more. I urge the people of Kishapu to move away from using charcoal and firewood to help conserve our environment,” he said.