By Lake Zone Watch writer
Seventy-year-old former Prime Minister Edward Ngoyai Lowassa died on Saturday at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam where he was admitted for treatment, Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango announced.
In live a broadcast televised by the state-run TBC TV, Dr Mpango said the ex-premier under the Jakaya Kikwete 2005-2015 administration died of lung issues, stomach ulcers and hypertension.
He said in honour of the departed leader, all national flags would fly at a half mast for the five-day mourning period.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has already conveyed condolences to friends, relatives of the deceased’s family and all Tanzanians for the demise of the seventh former Prime Minister of Tanzania whose star shone as a leader in the mid-1970s during the regime of founder president Mwalimu Julius Nyerere when implementation of the policy of socialism and self-reliance was at its pinnacle.
Lowassa held the premiership under Kikwete from 2005 to 2008.
Meanwhile, the ruling Chama Cha Mapiunduzi (CCM) has been saddened by the ex-Prime Minister Lowassa’s death as the fallen leader is remembered for his patriotism and dedication to save his nation in all capacities.
A brief statement released by the CCM Ideology Department praised the deceased leader for using his education and experience in the interest of the party, the government and the parliament.
“The CCM Chairperson President Samia Suluhu Hassan conveys condolences to the relatives of the deceased, friends and to all CCM members,” the statement said.