Posted on September, 17 2018

Acting Chairperson of the Energy and Mineral Committee of the Tanzania Parliament has reaffirmed the support of parliament arm for renewable energy. Hon. Hamida  Abdullah(MP)  made the commitment on Tuesday,11^th September 2018 during a high-level meeting on Renewable Energy (RE) hosted by WWF through the Sustainable Energy Forum(SEF).The event was aimed at fostering policy makers support for RE in relation to conservation of the environment.
 
She said that through the meeting the committee has obtained valuable information in RE and the countries biomass use status and its impact. Adding, that the Government goal of industrialization cannot be achieved without investment in sustainable energy.
 
In the highly interactive meeting, the participants discussed experiences and strategy in tackling use of   fuel wood by adapting efficient and sustainable energy resources. Speaking on behalf of WWF Tanzania Country Director, Dr. Lawrence Mbwambo emphasized on the need to give RE high consideration. He said regrettably   480,000 hectares of forest is lost in Tanzania to fuel wood (charcoal and firewood) among other human actions. He therefore called for action on dissemination of energy saving technologies.
 
In round table discussions, the MPs discussed the pre-conditions to be considered for adaptation of RE with focus on affordability. They requested for consideration when deciding the prices for the energy saving technologies such as the cook stoves so that many households can afford.On the same note,SEF members pleaded on increased budgetary allocation on RE and review on taxation of RE equipments. According to TaTEDOs presentation shows investment in RE is very low. In the FY 2018/2019 Energy Budget only 3.5 % of the overall budget is allocated for RE. Jointly agreed to support  RE as a solution to both environmental degradation and poverty. They urged the participant to continue with the good work and continue advising the Government on areas of improvement as done in the meeting.
 
Giving her closing remarks Hon Hamida said the Energy and Mineral Committee will continue to advice the government to invest in RE for development. ‘’We will also advice on the issue of Taxation in a way that it won’t cripple Government taxation plans. I am sure even the low income house hold will prefer to use clean and efficient energy. Therefore, we will continue to work with big and small investors in energy especially the small stove making entrepreneur to ensure they produce affordable and quality goods. This will reduce the pressure we put on our forests” she expressed.
 
The meeting was organized under Leading the Change: Civil Society, Rights and Environment Programme with the generous support of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).