Prisons in LPG use to cut charcoal dependence
What you need to know:
- It marks a significant step in promoting the use of cleaner, safer, and more sustainable cooking fuels among government institutions.
Simiyu. Oryx Gas, in partnership with the Rural Energy Agency (REA), has launched a nationwide clean energy project aimed at enabling prison officers to shift from using charcoal and firewood to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
The project was officially launched on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Simiyu District Prison.
It marks a significant step in promoting the use of cleaner, safer, and more sustainable cooking fuels among government institutions.
As part of the initiative, prison staff have been supplied with 15-kilogramme gas cylinders, double-burner stoves, and related accessories—fully financed by the government through REA.
Oryx Gas Tanzania’s Manager for Clean Cooking Projects, Mr Peter Ndomba, said the company, through its main distributor in Simiyu, has also introduced a permanent discount for all beneficiaries under the programme.
“Refilling cylinders will be done at subsidised rates, and home delivery will be available once the gas runs out. Each package comes with comprehensive training on safety and proper usage, in line with our policy of ensuring users are fully informed on safe gas handling,” he said.
Mr Ndomba said the initiative supports the implementation of the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on May 8, 2024.
Rural Energy Board (REB) board member, Mr Lucas Malunde, commended President Hassan for spearheading the country’s shift towards clean cooking energy.
“Since the launch of the strategy, the government has stepped up efforts to ensure Tanzanians move away from traditional fuels, both to protect the environment and reduce deaths caused by exposure to harmful emissions,” said Mr Malunde, on behalf of the REB chairperson, Ambassador Major General (rtd) Jacob Kingu.
REA’s Acting Technical Support Manager for Project Investors, Mr Emmanuel Yesaya, said a total of 330 gas cylinders and double-burner stoves had already been distributed to prison staff in Simiyu Region.
Simiyu Regional Prisons Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (SACP) Lugano Msomba, thanked the government and its partners, pledging that the prison service would lead by example in promoting clean cooking energy both within the force and in the wider community. “This project sets the pace for other institutions,” he said.
