TRADERS in petroleum products in the Lake Zone have been urged to establish fuel stations in rural fishing communities and motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) hubs to enhance access to energy services among underserved populations.

The call was made yesterday by George Mhina, Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) Lake Zone manager, during a stakeholder meeting involving petroleum and gas suppliers in the zone.

Mhina emphasised the need for service providers to expand their operations beyond urban areas, noting that many rural centres remain without reliable access to fuel. “You should not focus on urban areas only,” he said. “There is great business potential in village centres, especially around fishing communities and bodaboda stations.”

The meeting, which aimed to brief stakeholders on their responsibilities, business regulations, and emerging opportunities, also placed strong emphasis on promoting clean cooking energy in the zone.

Mhina urged energy stakeholders to prioritise the distribution and supply of clean cooking alternatives to help communities shift from traditional biomass fuels. “This is not only about business—it is about environmental cleanliness and improving people’s lives,” he said.

He noted that several financial institutions are ready to support clean energy initiatives through credit facilities. “Banks are prepared to provide loans for businesses focused on clean energy. Entrepreneurs should seize this opportunity to raise capital and expand their operations,” he added.

The clean energy push is part of a broader national strategy under the Clean Cooking Energy Plan 2024–2034, which targets to have at least 80 percent of Tanzanians using clean cooking solutions by 2034.

Mhina called on institutions within the Lake Zone to support the government’s target through strategic planning and collaboration. 

“All stakeholders must play their part to ensure clean cooking energy becomes accessible to the majority of our people within the next decade,” he said.

EWURA, established to oversee the energy and water utilities sectors, is tasked with ensuring effective competition, protecting consumer interests, and promoting access to regulated services—particularly for low-income, rural, and underserved communities.

As Tanzania continues to implement its energy transformation agenda, officials say expanding fuel access and clean energy solutions in rural areas remains a national priority.