Ref: AFED/PR/2012/66
The Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaats of Africa recently marked the start of the construction of the AFED Building named after our 12th Imam Al Hujjah (ATFS) – “AL QA’EEM” at Plot 9 Jacaranda Road, Arusha, and the Ground-Breaking Ceremony took place on Sunday, 4th March 2012.
The building of eight floors will consist of 24 flats (each floor will have two flats of two bedrooms and one of three bedrooms). This AFED housing project is for the members of our community. The project delivery is expected by March 2014, Insha’Allah.
The construction work is undertaken by a well known and experienced construction company from Dar es Salaam, M/s. Super Construction Company Ltd. The construction works started in August, 2012 after the Government and City Council formalities of seeking approvals, permits etc. were completed.
We are pleased to provide to our members locally and abroad the latest progress report of “AL QA’EEM” building.
The foundation works took longer than planned because the foundation footing of the adjoining five storey building next to our plot was built using its boundary wall as a load bearing wall. Even shoring would involve some risks and it was decided with the advice of the structural engineer to excavate and cast columns along the line of the adjoining building – one at a time with utmost care and in sections.
As the reinforced concrete underground tank had to be casted, this too contributed to some delay.
As we report, the foundation is complete and the ground floor slab has been casted, the columns and lift shaft is being prepared to reach the 4mtrs level to get to the first floor slab. Now that we have gotten off the ground we expect the building construction to move faster and hopefully cover lost time.
Here below are some recent photographs of the construction works of AL QA’EEM building in Arusha, Tanzania.
Financial Status of the Project:
The total cost of the project, inclusive of the cost of the plot is US$2.6M, the current status is as follows:-
Funds/donations received: US$: 1,175,000
Funds/donations pledged: US$: 312,500
:1,487,500
Shortfall: US$: 1,112,500
We appeal to the members of our community and our well-wishers in Africa and abroad to support this noble project financially, Hukuk funds can also be utilized for this project.
The Worsening Housing Situation in Tanzania:
Housing is a major impediment to many families in Tanzania, especially in view of the National Housing Corporation Policy of the redevelopments of old buildings in major cities and towns of Tanzania which started for the past several years. The redevelopments are mainly in partnership with private developers; this has also resulted in drastic increase of house rents. It is predicted that the situation shall get worse as more and more houses are being demolished in the city centres and in the suburbs of the townships.
On this score, AFED have appealed to the Jamaats whose members are affected in the above predicaments to look into appropriate housing schemes that are feasible for development by the Jamaats.
Whilst the average income per family has either remained the same or probably decreased as a result of the current economical crisis, the cost of living has by far increased, and, house rent being a dominant factor in the cost of living.
Project Committee:
AFED is grateful to the Housing Development Committee. The Committee is headed by Br. Munawer Bharwani, who is also the Chairman of AFED Housing Development Board, others in the Committee includes; Br. Sajjad Versi, Br. Shabbir Virjee, Br. Rizwan Sajan, they are all based in Arusha and the Secretary Br. Salimali Panjwani based in Dar es Salaam.
We wish to put on record our profound appreciation to the above mentioned members of the Committee for their constant follow-up, for their commitment and for the guidance they provide towards the project at all times. We also wish to thank the Arusha Jamaat Managing Committee for their cooperation and support.
We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant our community members, donors, well-wishers and supporters good health, long life and increase in their tawfiqaat to continue supporting the projects for the good cause.
To overseas members who wish to donate funds for the above project can do so through the Regional Federations or the World Federation.
SECRETARIAT