A total of 980 households, including 529 homes in Mkuranga District, Coast Region and 451 homes in Mnazi Mmoja in Lindi District, are set to be connected to a natural gas distribution network.

Tumaini Daniel, home gas distribution project manager for the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), said in a recent public meeting that the project involves the construction of a 47.86-kilometre pipeline network, with 22.9 kilometres in Lindi and 24.96 kilometres in Coast region.

It is part of the implementation of the national clean cooking energy strategy (2024-2034), meant to revolutionise cooking energy across the country, as once completed, the network will provide natural gas to nearly 1,000 households, helping families make the transition from traditional, polluting cooking fuels like firewood and charcoal to cleaner and more efficient energy, he said.

The government has allocated 5.3bn/- for the 2024/25 financial year to fund the project, marking a major step towards cleaner, more sustainable cooking solutions in the country, he said, noting that the funding will allow for the installation of infrastructure and ensure that the natural gas supply reaches all designated homes.

‘This will promote cleaner cooking practices and reduced deforestation and harmful emissions, as providing clean cooking energy to our communities is an essential step towards improving public health, protecting the environment, and boosting economic sustainability,” the manager declared.

The project is already complete by more than a third, expected to be fully operational by end of June, with the established gas distribution network expected to have far-reaching benefits, including job creation, reduced energy costs and improved living standards for residents in both regions, he stated.

“The government views this initiative as an essential part of its broader efforts to reduce reliance on harmful cooking practices that contribute to air pollution, health problems, and environmental degradation. By shifting to natural gas, households will not only benefit from lower energy costs but also play a significant role in environmental conservation,” he elaborated.

Local residents expressed their excitement for the upcoming changes, with Hawa Fumau Dadi, a resident at Mnazi Mmoja said unfolding of the project has provided temporary employment opportunities for many residents, “and we are looking forward to the long-term benefits of using clean and affordable cooking energy.”

The project also provides a significant economic opportunity for the region, offering employment to local people during the construction phase and a foundation for further development in the future.

Moreover, TPDC has been working closely with the community to educate residents on the advantages of using natural gas and how they can make the transition smoothly once the project is completed, he said.

In addition to the environmental and economic benefits, the government is also prioritising safety and security as part of the project's implementation.

Oscar Mwakasege, the corporate community development officer, emphasised that the corporation is committed to involving residents at every stage of the project and ensuring that the infrastructure is secure and well-maintained.

“We work closely with the community to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining the safety and security of the natural gas infrastructure, as well as informing them about potential job opportunities that come with the project,” he said.

 “This is a community-driven effort and it’s vital that we all work together to make it a success,” he added.