MPs describe fallen Lowassa as bold leader

DODOMA: MEMBERS of Parliament have described the fallen former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa as a leader with an unwavering stance, who made tough decisions for the betterment of his country.

The lawmakers said that, Lowassa has left an indelible mark in the country’s education through his idea of constructing community schools in every ward, which significantly increased enrolment rate in the country’s secondary schools.

The former PM, Mr Lowassa passed away on Saturday, while undergoing treatment at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam and is expected to be laid to rest in Monduli District, Arusha Region on Saturday Kisesa MP Mr Luhaga Mpina said that the passing away of Lowassa is a big loss to the nation due to his great contributions to the development of the country.

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“We shall remember him for all the good he has done for our nation, among others his great ability to manage government activities, to oversee and follow up on what has been planned to ensure its implementation, when he served as Member of Parliament, Minister and Prime Minister,” said Mpina.

He said when the construction of community schools started in 2006 he made sure that leaders from different areas are given the directives regarding the commencement of the work.

He said in his slogan, Lowassa said “it is time for making tough decisions but plans that are made must be overseen and implemented.” Lowassa emphasised that his first priority was education, the second was still education, and the third again education which he meant in his slogan as “Education, Education, Education,” He said Lowassa will also be remembered for his revolutionary and patriotic speeches that he delivered in the National Assembly, especially during the adjournment of the meeting.

“These speeches were good, inspiring, and revolutionary which provided guidance on implementation of various government activities …we will continue to remember him as patriotic leader, the nation has lost one of its greatest treasures,” he said.

For his part, Mathayo David, Same- West MP (CCM) said he knew Lowassa since 1997 when he was a member of Chama cha Mapinduzi National Executive Committee.

“I worked with Lowassa when I served as Deputy Minister for Industry, Trade and Marketing and later as Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food and Cooperatives,” he said.

Mr David said that Lowassa was a hardworking Premier, whose performance increased accountability among the public executives. He said during the implementation of his idea of introducing community schools in 2006/2007 ministers and deputy ministers visited the entire country to oversee their implementation.

“This idea enabled the country to make a huge progress in education sector following an increase in secondary school enrolment,” he said.

He added that, to curb the shortage of teachers in the schools the former PM came up with teachers’ crash programme “This programme helped a lot to increase the number of teachers because having schools without teachers could not bring significant impact to Tanzanians… he also made efforts to make sure that the schools are provided with important equipment and laboratories,” he said.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly who is also Ilala MP Mussa Zungu said that he knew the fallen PM when he was a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Security and Defence which was later splitted into two committees.

Lowassa served as Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee of Foreign Affairs, during his tenure he demonstrated his ability, strength and influence in persuading ambassadors of various countries and how Tanzania can cooperate with their countries in various diplomatic issues. “I once met Lowassa during his tour of Dar es Salam Region when he came up with his agenda of constructing community schools…these schools uplifted the status of the country’s education,” Zungu said.

He further said that leaders should emulate Lowassa, because he was a leader who made tough decisions, he was strict and humorous, and he did not like to oppress or belittle anyone. Special Seats MP Mariam Kisangi, (CCM) said Lowassa will be remembered for his compassion to listen to the needs of others despite his tight schedule.