REA partners with Tanzania Prisons for clean cooking project
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Rural Energy Agency (REA) has initiated a strategic collaboration with the Tanzania Prisons Service to implement a 35.2bn/- project, aimed at promoting clean cooking energy solutions.
REA’s Senior Engineer, Mr Deusdedit Malulu, unveiled the details during the ongoing 48th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), outlining the ambitious scope of the initiative.
According to Malulu, the project encompasses the installation of clean cooking energy infrastructure in 126 prisons across mainland Tanzania.
“Our partnership with the Tanzania Prisons Service focuses on establishing robust infrastructure to support clean cooking energy. Contracts have been finalised to ensure the timely completion of these essential installations,” Mr Malulu noted.
The multi-phase project, which commenced this year, is funded predominantly by REA, contributing 75 per cent of the total budget, with the Tanzania Prisons Service providing 24.6 per cent.
The comprehensive endeavour, totaling 35.2bn/-, allocates 26.5bn/- from REA and 8.6bn/- from the Tanzania Prisons Service. Mr Malulu highlighted the broader impact of the project beyond prisons, aiming to expand similar energy solutions to other critical institutions such as military bases and schools.
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“As part of our commitment within prisons, REA has begun installing biogas infrastructure across 126 facilities. Additionally, we are facilitating the distribution of 15,920 gas cylinders to prison staff, supporting their transition to cleaner energy alternatives,” Malulu added.
Furthermore, REA is facilitating the acquisition of equipment for prisons to produce alternative charcoal, with plans to establish 61 units.
The initiative also includes the provision of 977 efficient stoves designed to operate using alternative charcoal and minimal firewood. Engineer Evance Kabingo, speaking at the Sabasaba exhibition, underscored REA’s ongoing efforts to educate the public on the benefits of electricity for cooking.
“Despite achieving a 98 per cent electrification rate in many rural areas, reliance on nonclean energy sources like firewood and charcoal persists. REA continues to promote electricity as a safe and efficient cooking energy option, showcasing electric stoves that are environmentally friendly and cost-effective,” Kabingo explained.
The Sabasaba exhibition provides a platform for REA to engage with the public, demonstrating the capabilities of electric stoves that consume only 0.45 units of electricity per use, costing approximately 165/- for preparing a family meal.
