NEMA donates energy-saving stoves

Feb 03, 2008

IN a bid to conserve the environment through reduced tree cutting, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has started an energy-saving campaign in primary schools.

By Chris Kiwawulo

IN a bid to conserve the environment through reduced tree cutting, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has started an energy-saving campaign in primary schools.

The pilot project was recently launched in Makindye-Ssabagabo subcounty where two energy saving stoves were constructed at Namasuba Umea and St. Andrew Ndejje primary schools. Officials from both NEMA and Wakiso district handed over the stoves to the schools.

The Umea director of studies, Mariam Nankya, said the stoves had helped them save on the cost of firewood. “A truck of firewood would not last two weeks while we were using the ordinary cooking stones, but now the same truck can take a month or so,” she said.

Nankya added that even after the firewood is finished, the heat retained by
the stoves can boil about 100 litres of water. For beans that take long to get ready, Nankya said they now use about six pieces of wood down from over 15 for the ordinary stoves.

According to Persis Basemera, a NEMA official, the stoves are crucial in saving forests. By reducing the firewood used, energy saving stoves decrease the
rate of deforestation, thereby conserving the environment.

Some of the schools’ parents at the function, were excited by the stoves and invited NEMA to extend the project to their homes. According to Kawuki Ddumba, a parent in the school, the stoves help in saving money for other development work.

The project is a reward to the pupils for participating in a number of NEMA activities in Wakiso district.

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