The Chairman of Housing Development Board Akilbhai Hirji visited the site of Bilal Tanga Hawza Project in Tanga on Friday 3rd May 2019 and held a site meeting with the Contractor and also met with the Tanga Jamaat Managing Committee to carry out further discussions on the developments of Tanga Jamaat’s Trust properties following the visit to Tanga by the AFED Chairman and Vice Chairman in early April 2019.
BMM Tanga Hawza Project:
It was pleasing to witness the Bilal Tanga Hawza progressing well – The Bilal Tanga Hawza project is being managed and supervised by the AFED Housing Development Board.
Alhamdulillah, the project is developing well and is in good position since the start of construction in November 2018. The 4th Floor Slab is already casted and columns are continuing to be casted. The finishing works have started from first floor and is expected to complete within the time-lapse of 6 months.
The third site meeting was held on 3rd May 2019 where the project works and progress was inspected by the team of consultants along with the Housing Board Chairman and main Contractor. In the meeting, plans for next three months were accessed and agreed upon accordingly. Timely site meetings are beneficial to identify and highlight shortfalls and rectify so that project continues to progress within the timeframe and quality.
Tanga KSI Jamaat Trust Properties:
Following the request from the Africa Federation Chairman Shabirbhai Najafi and Vice Chairman Aunalibhai Khalfan to survey and address some concerns on the conditions of the properties in Tanga, the Housing Development Board Chairman, Akilbhai Hirji paid a visit to inspect the Jamaat Trust properties and also met officials of the Jamaat for discussion on the potential development. The properties visited are: the Mosque, Haji Nanji Building, Musafarkhana and the semi-developed building near the Mosque.
During the visit the team lead by the Housing Board Chairman Akilbhai Hirji, Civil Engineers and Chairman of Tanga Jamaat Mazaherbhai Bandali and Managing Committee members inspected the Haji Nanji Building which is within the Mosque complex.
It was agreed that the building is no longer safe for human occupancy and needs to be demolished as early as possible after completing the local government procedures and contracting the work which will be handled by the AFED Housing Development Board.
The old and dilapidated Musafarkhana visited is not in good state as one of the side boundary walls has fallen due to deterioration and needs to be reconstructed as soon as possible for securing the property and avoid further damage to the property. Jamaat Trustees in consultation with AFED need to make an urgent decision on the future of this building.
A meeting was held with Tanga Jamaat Chairman and Managing Committee to discuss the future plans for the properties and pertinent issues. Akilbhai suggested to the Jamaat to paint the external of the Mosque and Imambargha to give a good face-lift which is a pride of our community giving good reflection of our religious institutions.
It was agreed that Tanga Jamaat will first study the original plans for the building near the mosque that has potential for extension vertically; this will assist the Jamaat to generate income from the rental of the apartments and shops on the ground floor. The building is located in a prime location for commercial outlets and residential apartments.
We wish to extend our appreciation to the Jamaat Chairman, Alhaj Mazaher Bandali and the Managing Committee members for their cooperation and hospitality. Tanga Jamaat has all along been hospitable and their cooperation and support is very much appreciated.
Secretary
Housing Development Board
14th May 2019