By Chikondi Manjawira
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has emphasized on the need for the general public to change the perception they have on use of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) by starting using it as a source of energy for cooking.
Consumer Affairs and Public Relations Manager for Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority-(MERA), Fitina Khonje made the call during a one day-long media training on Fuel and Gas organized by the authority in Zomba on Saturday, April 10, 2021.
Khonje assured Malawians of the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, reliability and safety of gas if used for cooking.
She further stressed that the use of LP Gas as an alternative for electricity and Charcoal will help protect the environment as it reduces deforestation for charcoal burning as well as reserve electricity for other economic activities.
“We need to change people’s perception towards use of gas as a source of energy for cooking to conserve environment by creating demand for gas. Many believe that gas is scarce, expensive and dangerous to keep in their homes compared to electricity, paraffin and charcoal.
“The truth is that all sources of energy are as safe and as dangerous. The suppliers (gas sellers) do teach first users on how to use gas properly, guess very few reported gas accidents ever since gas became commonly used for cooking many years ago,” says Khonje.
President for Blantyre Press Club, Blessings Kanache acknowledged the role of the media will in spreading facts against misconception on gas usage.
Kanache believes that the media training has ignited effective reporting with an informed angle on gas, fuel and electricity pricing and regulation.
However, a random interviews with some Blantyre urban residents revealed that many fear to use gas as a source of energy when it comes to cooking.
Most of those talked to preferred electricity and charcoal that a few acknowledged the use of gas, describing it as dangerous and expensive commodity.
This alone exposed the knowledge gap existing in usage of gas.
For instance, a Bangwe resident in Blantyre, Jessica Namalopa confessed never thought of using gas for cooking.
She further narrated that gas is scaring and unsafe to keep in the home.
“I am aware that some people use Gas for cooking in Malawi, but I have never thought of using Gas because I fear that Gas may cause accident in my home, that is why I prefer cooking using charcoal or electricity,” said Namalopa.”
