Alhamdulillah, the Arusha KSI Jamaat Housing project located on Plot No. 13 A, Swahili Street in Arusha city has recommenced after a lapse of several years since it was first launched. The construction of the building will continue with the same contractor who has already mobilized at the site. The contractor will also be implementing the changes as approved by the Structure Engineer/Architect which has been proposed by the Committee. The Committee is made up of members/trustees from Arusha Jamaat and the AFED Housing Development Board, headed by the Chairman, Alhaj Akil Hirji.
On 20th January 2022, the AFED Housing Board Chairman Alhaj Akil Hirji had an opportunity to meet with the Arusha Jamaat Managing Committee and Trustees to provide them with the project report. The discussion covered the project plan, anticipated challenges and finding best way forward. Discussion also centred on the commercial space tendering process for rental, apartments for “Rent to Own” scheme and its processes, Madrassah needs assessment and other related issues with the project.
During the meeting, the Housing Board Chairman explained how the ‘Rent to Own’ scheme works and the benefits of the scheme to the members, this is in pursuant of the Africa Federation Vision as has been passionately promoted by the AFED Chairman, Alhaj Shabir Najafi during his term.
The ‘Rent to Own’ scheme has a criterion that needs to be fulfilled by an applicant to be eligible for the scheme. Similar scheme has been successful and benefited members of Antananarivo, Dar es salaam and Nairobi Jamaats. We are confident that the Arusha Jamaat members will come forward to take up this unique offer for the long-term benefit for their families.
The building as earlier planned shall consist of a basement for utilities of the building i.e. Generators, Electrical Distribution Board, Water Tanks, Bore-Hole etc. The ground and mezzanine floor shall be for commercial use – a source of income generating for the Jamaat. The 1st to 3rd floor shall be for the Jamaat Madrassah and Tabligh purposes.
Whilst the 4th to 10th floor made up of two 3-bedroom apartments on each floor for residential purposes for the members of our community.
The 11th floor will consist of one 4-bedroom apartment with open space and the 12th floor is being redesigned for multipurpose use which shall be managed by the Jamaat.
Since the handover of the project by Arusha Jamaat to Africa Federation, the Housing Board made two sites meetings. The first being on 6th January 2022, the AFED Housing Board team, Arusha Jamaat representatives along with the contractor and consultants had a meeting on site to commence the project immediately. The building was inspected during the visit to ensure all members were aligned and in agreement with the changes being made for better and economic use of the building for larger benefit of the Jamaat.
The 2nd Site Meeting was held on 20th and 21st January 2022 to witness the progress and plan on the way forward after incorporating the changes to the building. During the inspection several challenges were observed, this is obvious due to the long time the building remained unattended. The team found a satisfactory way forward in order to continue with the works on the building.
Presently, the external plaster of the building is completed and the works for external paint preparation has started and is continuing well. The materials required for finishing the project are being selected prudently for early procurement at reasonable costs.
It is our earnest hope and desire for an early completion of the project to the required standard and specifications, being in capable hands of the project team led by Akil bhai, who along with his team who are keen and determined to complete the project successfully. The date of completion of the project will be advised as it progresses.
Full details on the scheme for this Project will be launched by the Committee once all the details are worked upon and a document for the same is prepared in consultation with the Arusha Jamaat and AFED office bearers.
We pray to the Almighty for the successful completion of this project within the time frame agreed.
Hon. Secretary
AFED Housing Development Board
31st January 2022