The Chairman of AFED Housing Development Board Akil bhai Hirji, along with the Vice Chair Shakera bai Dhanani, Legal advisor Zakiya bai Khamisa and the Project Coordinator Mohamed Moledina organised a ‘Get Together’ with Al Asghary residents on 5th February 2020. The purpose was to meet in order to discuss and receive feedback from the occupants of the building regarding the housing scheme and their experiences following the handing over of the apartments about one and half year ago.
The Board first had a brief meeting with the Committee Members comprising of residents of Al Asghary Residency who manage the day to day management of the building. The meeting was to avail feedback and discuss overall upkeep of the building and the challenges faced so far.
After the meeting with the Committee, the Board then had a meeting with the residents both the ladies and gents. This get-together provided an opportunity to share and discuss issues pertaining to the building and the ‘Rent to Own Scheme’.
The meeting started with the recitation of some verses of the Holy Quran and Qasida, the meeting was chaired by the Board Chairman Akil bhai Hirji.
Akil bhai thanked all the residents for attending the get-together. He conveyed his appreciation to his team members who have been extremely instrumental in the smooth transition of the operations and administration of the building. The Project Coordinator Mohamed bhai Moledina. Shakera bai and Zakiya bai have taken initiatives to mentoring the team amongst the occupants of Al Asghary to take over the upkeep and the ways to run the building successfully.
Akil Bhai was pleased with the timely payments of rental and requested the occupants to continue with the same spirit. This ownership will be significant in future to avail banking facility once they become legal owners. The Board expressed their sentiments to witness the well-maintained building.
He appreciated the residents staying in a conducive environment as one family. He also commended the weekly majalis taking place for all the residents on every Thursday.
It was noted that with the cooperation amongst the residents and with the guidance from the Board, the service fees so far has remained at USD 65 per month per apartment. This fee includes water supply in each apartment, security, electricity in common areas, lift maintenance, running of the generator. He further informed the residents that the Board were able to secure FREE lift maintenance fees for one year (2020) and thanked the supplier Wintech Tanzania Limited for this offer.
During the meeting, residents brought up several issues with the Housing Board such as accounts, service fees, lift maintenance, insurance, and security. The Board will assist the residents to solve these issues as far as possible.
Bashir bhai Bandali of G1 Security Company was also invited in this gathering to guide the residents on security. The Housing Board extends its gratitude to Bashir bhai Bandali, Mohamedabbas bhai Bandali and Sadiq bhai Bawa of G1 Security who have always been supportive and ensured the safety of our residents. They have been available at all times whenever needed.
Lastly, the Housing Board appreciated the resident’s participation and contributions in the discussions which are very helpful to the Board to understand of the challenges that may exist. After the meeting, dinner was served by the kind courtesy of Africa Federation.
Views expressed by the would-be Owners!
“Owning your own house is a dream in these tough times when you are constantly struggling to make the ends meet. But when a scheme like Al Asghary Residency came up it gave us hope that yes dreams can come true!! Rent to Own was introduced and executed very efficiently by the Africa Federation Housing Board. The scheme was made quite affordable with lots of efforts by the Housing Board and you get all the modern amenities utilizing the space to the best. The added benefit is to live with our own community like a family and be with each other in joys and sorrow. We have Majlises & khushalis together. The security of being in your own house and that you would leave behind some asset for your children is incomparable. Praying for all those behind it and such schemes should be continued by Africa Federation as it’s a stepping stone towards sustainability. It should be utilized by the community to the fullest! – Sana Fatema Altafhussein Yusuf”
“The Al Asghary Housing Scheme has been very beneficial for me. The 2BHK is ideal for a family of 3 since it is not too big to manage nor very small either. The location is very well suited since most our day to day life is centred around the city centre area. It is also conveniently located from our KSI Mosque. The tenants are also very cooperative, and we consider everyone as one big family. The only setback would be the absence of parking facility. My advice to fellow community members is to take advantage of such schemes. Not many communities offer such housing facility to their members with a reasonable price and flexible payment terms. I would sincerely like to thank the Africa Federation Housing Board for all their efforts and commend them for a job well done! Thank you” – Mudassir Alloo
“OTLO HOY TO ROTLO MALIJASE, Thanks to Alhaj Shabir Bhai Najafi for not only making this statement but making it real. The rent to own scheme provided by Africa Federation has given us a hope to own a house and secured our family. Prior to the scheme of rent to own, we were renting the apartment, with a fear that we may receive a notice to vacate the apartment due to lucrative offer by someone else or the rental pricing would increase (Escalation without a cap); Since this scheme was introduced by Africa Federation, we have got the following advantages:- We feel secured, the rental that we paying now towards the Apartment will eventually end up going to be ours in future, Our future generation shall own an asset, No fear of escalation, No interest, Easy and flexible terms, Brings sense of belonging to the community. I urge the community members to take advantage of such schemes and become owner of their houses; Rather than paying rent to someone else Apartment, pay for your own apartment and become the owners of it. Lastly, I would like to thank Alhaj Shabir Bhai Najafi Chairman of Africa Federation and the Housing Board for all their effort and sleepless nights working hard on their project for our community members and not forgetting their family members. ASANTE SANA” – Hassanali Alidina
“A lot of people today measure success based on the assets they own, be it a house, a car, a stable job. Considering the world’s economy at large, it has become very challenging to achieve stability in many of these areas. AFED having introduced the rent-to-own scheme has helped many realise their goal of owning a house and the lovely families that have moved in, make it a home. It is amazing having our own little family with whom we stand by, support, and celebrate life’s milestones as well as hold events in honour of the Holy personalities. I sincerely thank all the individuals who have played a part in making this initiative a success and pray for any future projects to come up wonderfully. – Sukaina Zahir Alimohamed”
“First, I would like to thank the AFED for providing a scheme which is a blessing in disguise for our community members. The ”Rent to Own” scheme is uplifting our community members in which they become responsible house owners. The Scheme initiates a will to work and own the house. What I mean by that, when a middle-income earner has a proper job but living in a rented premise, the premises will never be of his or her own. In this scheme he or she will work harder and pay rent which eventually becoming owner of the house. Furthermore, the benefits are immense especially at current times where our youths are working in the corporate world, the house gives you security to start your own business, it gives you security, your family and to your future generation. I strongly urge our community members to take maximum benefit for this scheme. Thank you!” – Shabbirali H Mussa
Message from the Secretary of Al Asghary Residency Committee
On behalf of Al Asghary residents and the Committee members, I would like to express our deepest appreciation to AFED Housing Board for their kind gesture. We particularly wish to thank Shabir bhai Najafi and his team, Gulam bhai Dewji (GD), Ahmed bhai Daya and Murtaza bhai Merali. We shall always remember them in our duas.
I cannot thank everyone enough for their involvement and their willingness to take on the completion of this project beyond their comfort zones! A project like this cannot happen overnight. The wheels start rolling months ago. It requires planning and a bird’s eye for details. We have been fortunate enough to be backed by a team of very motivated and dedicated personalities who always took out their time to make sure we are comfortably settled in our dream houses. May Allah s.w.t bless you all in abundance!
Appreciation:
AFED Housing Development Board Chairman, Akil bhai Hirji wish to express their sincere appreciation to Dar es Salaam Jamaat for their valuable collaboration and co-operation with AFED in this project for the benefit of the members of our community in Dar es Salaam. He conveys similar sentiments to Dar es Salaam Jamaat President, Alhaj Azim Dewji, AFED Chairman, Alhaj Shabir Najafi, AFED Office Bearers and Trustees for their untiring support and guidance all the time. Special thanks to the Dar es Salaam Jamaat and AFED Joint Allocation Committee for their meticulous work in the allocation process which was instrumental in the efficient allocation of the flats to the deserving members of the community. The Joint Allocation Committee members included Sis. Shakera Dhanani, Sis. Zakiya Khamisa, Br. Azim Mawji, Br. Ghulam Kermali, Br. Shane-Abbas Jessa and Br. Munawar Bharwani. Alhamdullilah the good efforts by all has brought this project to fruition.
SECRETARIAT
AFED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT BOARD