Mbezi, Dar es Salaam – Nestled in the heart of Tanzania is the Mount Rungwe Pre and Primary School, led by the visionary Okoka Mwapuja. While the establishment stands as a hallmark of education, Mwapuja’s aspirations transcend the conventional. Anchored in a fervent commitment to the environment, he ardently champions the shift towards renewable energy as a sustainable tomorrow’s cornerstone.
It’s been two years since Mwapuja embarked on his renewable energy journey, gradually forgoing charcoal and firewood in favor of greener alternatives. In his residence, a noticeable transition to gas has unfolded. He astoundingly makes a 400-liter gas cylinder endure for a quarter-year, whereas a charcoal-based lifestyle would have drained over a million shillings bi-monthly.
In the educational arena, this transformation has mirrored. Gone are the days of reliance on firewood for student meals. With the renewable energy initiative’s impetus, gas has become the preferred medium, ensuring economical and eco-friendly operations. “The upfront costs of renewable energy might seem steep when juxtaposed with charcoal or firewood. But the long-term benefits, both fiscal and ecological, are irrefutable,” Mwapuja observes.
Despite strides in renewable adaptation, Mwapuja acknowledges gaps in his energy acumen, particularly regarding gas versus petrol’s intricacies for transportation. He aspires to further his understanding to make well-informed choices for his school buses and culinary pursuits.
His renewable advocacy stems from witnessing deforestation’s detrimental aftermath and the health ramifications of traditional cooking methods. Keen on bolstering governmental reforestation endeavors, Mwapuja asserts, “The transition to renewables, such as gas, is paramount.”
Supporting his transition was a loan amounting to ten million shillings through the renewable energy project, 90% of which he availed, successfully clearing it in due course. While praising the venture, he candidly critiques certain banking entities like Maendeleo Bank of Tanzania for tedious loan procurement processes. Nonetheless, he remains hopeful for streamlined renewable financing avenues in the future.
On the horizon, Mwapuja envisions venturing further into sustainable solutions, including water harvesting and purification endeavors. He articulates, “The renewable pathway not only safeguards our environment but augments efficiency and curtails expenses.”
Endorsing Mwapuja’s endeavors, TAMFI CEO Winnie Terry stated, “His journey illuminates the manifold rewards of embracing renewables. It underscores the pressing need for widespread enlightenment on this front. As more individuals and establishments tread this path, we inch closer to a greener, brighter future.”
This narrative is an excerpt from the “Energy Access: Building an Innovative Financial Ecosystem for Enterprises and End Users” initiative, orchestrated by TAMFI, bolstered by the C.S. Mott Foundation. This endeavor targets enlightening financial entities and pertinent stakeholders about decentralized renewable energy’s transformative prowess, harmonizing productivity with economic efficiency.