Deputy Minister urges communities to Shift to clean energy for health and environmental protection

By Charles Mkoka

The Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Ms. Mwanaidi Khamis, has called on communities to move away from harmful energy sources to safeguard their health and the environment.

Speaking in Dodoma, Ms. Khamis emphasized the importance of adopting clean energy solutions for cooking. She urged people to switch to modern, safer cooking methods to protect families from the health risks associated with dirty energy, such as respiratory diseases.

"It is crucial for communities to embrace clean cooking energy to prevent illnesses. These modern stoves are not only safe for cooking but also protect our health," Ms. Khamis stated.

She expressed particular concern for women, who have been the most affected by the harmful effects of dirty energy, often suffering from lung diseases due to prolonged exposure to smoke from traditional cooking methods.

In addition to the health risks, Ms. Khamis highlighted the environmental consequences of dirty energy use, such as deforestation and charcoal production. She noted that environmental damage contributes to climate change, causing unpredictable rainfall and threatening water sources, which are vital for both daily life and electricity generation.

Ms. Khamis called on the community to take action, not only for their health but also for the preservation of the environment and the future of sustainable energy.