Chinese Embassy, OGTL partner in clean energy campaign

ARUSHA: THE Chinese Embassy in Tanzania partnered with Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited (OGTL) and other stakeholders to donate cooking gas cylinders and stoves to various groups in the Arusha Region.

On Monday this week, the parties donated 800 gas cylinders along with stoves to teachers, drivers, government workers, and journalists. The donation was in addition to the 1,500 gas cylinders donated to primary and secondary school teachers over the weekend.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, China’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Chen Mingjian, acknowledged Tanzania’s remarkable environmental conservation efforts.

Ambassador Chen explained that during her three years serving in Tanzania, she has witnessed the significant efforts the country has made to protect the environment.

“Tanzania is an environmentally friendly nation that is committed to preserving Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti National Park,” she stated.

She made the statement on Monday in Arusha at an event where the Chinese Embassy, in collaboration with Oryx Gas Tanzania, donated the gas cylinders and stoves. The initiative aims to support efforts to protect the environment.

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The ambassador stated that the Chinese government supports Tanzania’s efforts to promote the use of clean cooking energy to preserve the environment and natural resources.

“These gas cylinders will not only improve the lives of teachers but will also plant the seeds of environmental protection in the hearts of students,” said the ambassador, adding that President Xi Jinping of China has often stressed that seas and mountains are precious resources.

“As responsible developing nations, both China and Tanzania have rejected the old path of environmental pollution. Instead, we have chosen a new approach that prioritizes ecological balance and green development,” she added.

While promoting environmental conservation, the ambassador explained that both countries are committed to economic growth and improving people’s lives, while also taking on the important responsibility of environmental protection.

“China and Tanzania are close brothers and sisters, as well as strong partners. We always support each other. Last month, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held a summit in Beijing, attended by leaders, heads of state, and representatives from 53 countries, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who represented East Africa. I accompanied her delegation during this important event,” she remarked.

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Ambassador Chen continued to note that President Xi Jinping delivered a significant speech, while President Samia also addressed the opening ceremony, announcing initiatives for cooperation between China and Africa, especially in green development.

Earlier, Oryx Gas Tanzania’s Managing Director, Benoit Araman, remarked that since July 2021, access to clean cooking solutions has been a key priority under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership.

He added that Oryx Gas is proud to support the implementation of Tanzania’s Clean Cooking Energy Programme. The programme aims to provide clean cooking energy to at least 80 percent of Tanzanians by 2034, and Mr. Araman urged everyone to work together to achieve this goal.

“When you talk about clean cooking energy with your students and at parents’ meetings, it will greatly contribute to spreading clean cooking energy across Tanzania,” he stated.

He thanked the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania for their collaboration, which enabled the donation of 800 gas cylinders and stoves.

Working together with the Gambo Foundation ‘Alama Africa’ and Oryx Gas Tanzania, China has shown its commitment to supporting Tanzania’s Clean Cooking Energy Programme.

In his remarks, Arusha Urban Member of Parliament, Mr. Mrisho Gambo, praised Oryx Gas for being the first company in Arusha to actively support President Samia’s campaign. He noted that Oryx Gas had previously provided 5,000 gas cylinders to teachers and has continued its support by donating gas cylinders and stoves in partnership with the Chinese Embassy and Alama Africa Foundation.