The Nyamagana District Executive Director, Thomas Salala, has called upon private sector stakeholders involved in the distribution of clean energy to continue collaborating with the government in promoting the use of safe cooking energy.

He cited an example of a company currently running a campaign that rewards users of cooking gas as a way to educate and attract the public to move away from using firewood and charcoal.

Speaking during an award ceremony for the winners of the "Gesi Yente" campaign, Salala said such initiatives play a significant role in achieving national goals aimed at reducing reliance on dirty energy, especially in densely populated institutions such as schools and prisons.

During the event held in Mwanza city, three winners were awarded  one with a motorcycle and two with bicycles as part of a broader effort to encourage the use of cooking gas as an alternative to firewood and charcoal.

“What you're doing is beneficial to the community. The prizes you offer provide positive motivation  especially when someone says, ‘I got a motorcycle thanks to using gas.’ This is not gambling, but a form of education on proper energy use,” Salala stated.

He further emphasized that through such campaigns, the country can make significant strides toward achieving its national goal of ensuring that by the year 2034, at least 80% of Tanzanians are using clean energy in their households.

He mentioned some institutions, such as Nsumba Secondary School and Butimba Prison, that have already adopted the use of gas for cooking activities.

On their part, representatives from the company behind the campaign said the initiative, which began on August 13, has been highly successful, reaching over 350 customers who have received various prizes. However, they stressed the continued need for education and awareness, particularly in rural areas.

One of the campaign winners, Maximilian Nyamoge, who won a motorcycle, stated that using gas has been a major solution for his family due to its convenience and cooking efficiency compared to firewood or charcoal.

“It is time for Tanzanians to embrace the education provided by the government in collaboration with stakeholders, and move away from unsafe energy practices by adopting clean energy alternatives,” he said.