Tanzania, Oct. 26 -- Dar es Salaam. Charcoal, firewood and crop residues may be cheaper cooking energy options, but they are directly responsible for at least 33,000 deaths in Tanzania annually, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.

Energy minister January Makamba said during a visit to Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) head office in Dar es Salaam that this is the main reason the government is advocating the use of clean cooking energy.

"We have decided to take the issue of cooking energy seriously to liberate women. The number of people dying from this problem is far greater than those dying of HIV/Aids and in road accidents," he said.

"Currently, between 4.5 percent and eight percent of Tanzania's population uses clean cooking ene...