Mwanza residents have been advised to start using solar energy as part of the efforts to support the Tanzania’s clean and safe energy campaign.

This call was made by Sanyo Division Executive officer Pepertua John, on behalf of the Magu District Commissioner Joshua Nassari during the opening of the Sun King Store at Isangijo Village in Bukandwe Ward. 

John emphasised the importance of adopting clean energy solutions, such as solar power, which is environmentally-friendly. She appealed to residents to ensure their activities contributed to environmental protection.

"President Samia Suluhu Hassan continues encouraging the use of clean and safe energy across the country, including solar energy as one of the clean and safe energy options nationwide," she said.

She added that using batteries had caused eye and chest ailments due to the smoke generated by the batteries, and using solar-powered lights, such as those from the Sun King Company, would help address those challenges.

The district officer also highlighted that solar energy was safe for students in their studies and for businesspeople to operate with certainty at night. She stressed that solar energy could be used during power outages or for those living in areas without access to electricity.

"This is an opportunity for areas that still lack access to regular electricity, including some villages in this district that have yet to been connected to the government’s electricity services," said John.

Juma Mohamed, the Business Manager of Sun King in Tanzania, said the company currently focused on selling solar-powered lights to help residents eliminate the use of harmful energy sources like kerosene and oil-powered batteries. 

He noted that the company had opened the store to make services more accessible to residents, with 65 stores currently in operation and plans for more next year.

He further explained that the company supported the fight against climate change by providing alternative energy to reduce or prevent the production of carbon emissions, which contributed to environmental degradation.

"We are supporting the global agenda, and Tanzania is a key player in ensuring the reduction of carbon emissions worldwide. We are also fulfilling the government’s agenda of boosting the economy by providing employment to the youth, thus changing their lives significantly," Mohamed said.

He also added: "We have been providing employment for the youth who are our ambassadors, and we continue reminding them to visit our offices to get jobs. Currently, we have several youth with two degrees who work well and are financially independent."

For his part, the company goodwill Ambassador Mrisho Mpoto, emphasised that members of the public had become more aware of the dangers of using dirty energy sources and the benefits of clean energy. 

He also noted that the company, in addition to supporting the clean energy cause, had created over 3,000 jobs for young people nationwide, offering them more job opportunities and improve their economic situation.

"The goal is to encourage people to move from using harmful energy sources to clean energy, and President Samia is leading the way with the goal to have 80 per cent of the population using clean energy by 2034. The participation of private companies like Sun King is crucial for achieving this goal," he said.

Beatrice Sililo, a customer of solar lights from Wita A Village, explained how she had avoided using harmful energy sources by using solar lights.

"I use my Sun King light very well to get light, as it allows me to charge my mobile phone and listen to the radio because this light is designed with a built-in radio. I also carry it with me during my business activities to ensure my mobile phone doesn’t run out of charge. At night, I use it at home," said Sililo.

She added: "I have been using this Sun King light for over three months, which has allowed me to move away from using smoky kerosene lamps and candles. I am now happy with it because it provides enough light, and I only pay Sh350 a day," Sililo said.