Araman Benoit, the OGTL managing director, made this affirmation at a function where the firm handed over 900 cylinders to Rufiji MP Mohamed Mchengerwa, a senior cabinet minister.
He said this series of donations is part of efforts to support endeavours by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to promote clean cooking energy.
The company intends to support government initiatives in shifting clean cooking energy sources by offering free gas cylinders to various groups in the community, he stated.
The donated gas cylinders were distributed to food vendors in Rufiji District, Coast Region.
OGTL was glad to deliver clean cooking energy to people in the district, he said, affirming that the firm was touching key groups in the community like food vendors.
The company seeks to help protect the environment by reducing tree felling for charcoal and firewood, while protecting the health of women and children affected by smoke, he stated, underlining that the company is mindful that President Samia wishes that upwards of 80 percent of households and food vendors use clean cooking energy by 2032.
He referred to the COP 28 global conference on climate change in Dubai, where the president launched the African women clean cooking support programme, describing it as a critical initiative in addressing the issue.
It aims to ensure accessibility and affordability of alternative cooking energy, eliminating noxious effects of indoor air pollution, while using clean energy for cooking has great health and environmental benefits.
It gives children a chance to go to school instead of spending a lot of time collecting firewood, he pointed out.
In his remarks, the minister said the use of wood and charcoal contributes to environmental destruction, while clean cooking energy protects health and the environment.
Distributing cylinders to food vendors is in recognition of the contribution of women in bringing about development and caring for the environment, he said, noting that local government officials were involved in planning to obtain gas cylinders.
The actual demand was 1,300 cylinders, he said, expressing satisfaction that the district was able to obtain cylinders for 900 women.
The overall purpose is to make sure that food vendors in the district are involved in environmental protection efforts, plus being removed from inhaling smoke as it poses a number of health risks.
Jenipher Shirima, the regional Fire and Rescue Force commander, briefed the gathering on the proper use of gas cylinders, insisting on taking precautions. They should call the force if they notice anything unusual when using the cylinders, she added.
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