Makamba graces MCL’s forum on charcoal question in Tanzania’s economy, environment

Dar es Salaam. Minister for State in the Vice President's Office (Union Affairs and Environment) January Makamba on Thursday, February 7, 2019 graced the 3rd Mwananchi Thought Leadership Forum organised by Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL).

Addressing the participants during the Forum, Mr Makamba commended the organizers saying he was optimistic that the move would complement government’s efforts to mitigate human activities that constitute hazards to the environment.

“It is not a secret that charcoal production is among the potential sources of revenues for local governments,” Mr Makamba revealed.

He added: “Charcoal production also employs a substantial number of the population.”

In Tanzania, at least 22, 000 people die per year, an average of 60 people per day due to respiratory diseases caused by the consumption of charcoal, according to the minister.

Referring to the rapid growth of charcoal consumption in Tanzania, Mr Makamba pointed out that the product was sold at relatively affordable price (cheaper compared to other sources of energy like gas), saying due to this reason, majority of the households opt to continue using the product.

He quickly noted, however, that true cost of charcoal, from production to consumption, was not cheap as it appeared on the outset.

Moreover, Mr Makamba further expressed optimism saying the Forum was essential on the grounds that it offered stakeholders an opportunity to share experiences and knowledge.

The forum under a theme of “The Charcoal Question in our Economy and Environment” was held at Kisenga Hall, Millennium Towers in the city.

In attendance, the colourful event brought together various serving and retired government officials, representatives from the private sector and environment stakeholders.

The Forum also involved a panel session where the panelists highlighted various issues related to environmental conservation and devastation.

Among others, the panelists had highlighted strategic measures to address the challenges facing the sector including afforestation.

The panelists also urged the stakeholders to come up with technological innovations designed to promote the use of other sources of energy that are friendly to the environment like gas.

The Forum was sponsored by (in no particular order) NMB Bank, Songas, UN Environment, Oryx Energies, Anglo Gold Ashanti, Mkaa Endelevu, The Kilimanjaro Project, Tanzania Forest Services Agency, ITV and Radio One, Tanzania Forest Conservation Group and several others.