Dominican Republic expands Clean Kitchens program in María Trinidad Sánchez

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) has expanded its ‘Cocinas Limpias’ (Clean Kitchens) program, recently adding 100 households in the María Trinidad Sánchez province to its initiative. This brings the total number of families benefited across the country to 825.

The program aims to progressively replace the use of firewood and charcoal with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in vulnerable communities to improve health and living conditions. Each participating household receives a kit including a four-burner tabletop stove, an LPG cylinder, hoses, and necessary installation accessories.

Beyond equipment distribution, the initiative includes technical training on safety and proper equipment maintenance. Vladímir Ozorio, Director of Social and Community Management, noted that the program seeks to mitigate health risks associated with prolonged exposure to smoke from solid fuel combustion, stating the effort brings ‘health and dignity’ to the beneficiaries.