Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Rural Energy Agency (REA) has distributed 310 gas stoves along with 15kg gas cylinders to prison officers in Geita Region, as part of ongoing efforts to promote the use of clean cooking energy in public institutions.
As part of the initiative, REA also plans to supply a total of 19 tonnes of alternative charcoal to four prisons in the region. Geita District Prison and Chato Prison will each receive 5 tonnes, while Kanegere Prison and Butundwe Prison will receive four and five tonnes, respectively.
Speaking during the official launch of the clean energy project in the region, REA’s Acting Technical Support Manager, Engineer Emanuel Yesaya, said the distribution aims to reduce reliance on traditional biomass and improve energy efficiency in correctional facilities.
Outlining the allocation of LPG cylinders to various prisons, the manager said Geita District Prison would receive 97 cylinders, Kanegere 55, Chato 67, Butundwe 52 and the regional prison headquarters in Geita 40.
Engineer Yesaya further noted that the broader national project includes the installation of infrastructure for natural gas and biogas systems across 64 prisons. This will involve the construction of 126 biogas units, distribution of 850 tonnes of alternative charcoal and the procurement of 61 machines for producing eco-friendly charcoal.
The initiative aligns with the government efforts to accelerate the transition to clean energy in both public and private institutions, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and improving health outcomes.
Engineer Yesaya, said that Chato Prison in Geita Region will benefit from the installation of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) system, while Kanegere Prison is set to receive a machine for producing alternative charcoal.
He added that various prisons in the region will also be equipped with biogas systems and stoves to support clean energy adoption. Geita Prison will be fitted with one biogas unit and three stoves; Chato Prison with one unit and two stoves, Kanegere Prison with one unit and two stoves and Butundwe Prison with one biogas system and three stoves.
REA Board Member Mr Lucas Malunde said that the initiative is part of the implementation of a contract signed on September 15, 2024, between REA and the Prison Service, aimed at supplying clean cooking energy to 129 prisons nationwide.
Mr Malunde encouraged prison officers to serve as ambassadors for clean energy use within their communities, stressing the importance of environmental protection and the health benefits of reducing reliance on traditional biomass fuels.
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