On 2nd August 2023, the Housing Board Chairman Alhaj Akilbhai Hirji, AFED Trustee/Housing Board Advisor Alhaj Shabir Najafi and Project Coordinator, Mohamedbhai Moledina visited Kampala for a 3-day visit to see the progress of the on-going commercial project, they also met the executive committee and trustees of KSIJ Kampala. A visit was also made to view the plot for potential housing project, and also visit Jinja Bilal Mosque. The visit was quite fruitful covering the planned visit schedule within the 3-day visit.
Kampala Jamaat Commercial Project
A visit to the above project was made in the company of Alhaj Sibteinbhai Merchant – President Kampala Jamaat, Alhaj Riyazbhai Mithani – Hon. Secretary Kampala Jamaat, Alhaj Mustafabhai Kanji – Trustee Kampala Jamaat and Alhaj Murtazabhai Kassam – Trustee Kampala Jamaat. The on-going commercial Mall project is in its final stages of completion and expected to start operations in September/October 2023. This plot was bought in 1920 and was initially used as Imambargha, later turned to retail shops to sublet. In 1996 a Mall was built to sublet and generate income for the Jamaat, this was during the Chairmanship of Shabirbhai Najafi.
In the year 2020, with the increased demand and the growth in the city of Kampala, a new commercial project was planned due to the demand of commercial outlets which would also increase income to the Jamaat. The current office bearers, trustees and the managing committee members initiated the project which started in 2021, with the new plan to construct a 7 (seven) story building including basement for parking. The ground to sixth floor are for shops and an open terrace for other facilities. Alhamdullilah, the project has turned out beautifully and unique design/concept when compared to the other buildings in the surrounding area. Inshallah the building is expected to be 50% or more occupied by end of year 2023. The progress witnessed was quite impressive, similarly the quality of workmanship was up to the standard. Akilbhai commended the construction committee’s dedication and their close monitoring of the progress that has played a key role in both quality and on time completion.
Mosque, Imambargha and School Facilities:
The Mosque, Imambargha and school facilities were visited. The Jamaat also has earmarked a plot for housing project. During the meeting with the Jamaat managing committee and trustees, Akilbhai presented the Housing survey results which was under taken between November 2022 to February 2023. The survey provided with the data for a way forward for Kampala Jamaat. From the result of the survey it was evident that there is a requirement and various element concerning housing project were discussed.
At the same meeting, the Kampala Jamaat President, Sibteinbhai explained on another potential commercial project that is in the pipeline.
In line with housing project to be undertaken, meeting was arranged by the Jamaat with one of the recommended architects. Akilbhai along with Sibteinbhai, Riyazbhai and Mustafabhai met with Architect Sister Cathrine and had fruitful meeting to discuss the project and have initial planning details, later the team visited the site of the project for further planning.
On Friday 4th August 2023, Akilbhai accompanied by Riyazbhai and Afzalbhai visited Jinja Mosque which is one of the oldest mosques of KSI in Uganda, the mosque is currently under Bilal Muslim Mission of Uganda. The mosque and surrounding facilities require face-lift. Akilbhai visited the site to see the situation, evaluate and advise way forward. The Kampala Jamaat arranged for the contractors to visit and provide a quotations. Alhamdulillah, the visit was quite useful and the team managed to inspect all areas and preliminary plan for the renovation of the masjid and its facilities discussed with the contractor. The renovation works started on 7thSeptember 2023 and is expected to be completed by 28th October 2023.
On Saturday 5th August 2023, Alhaj Mustafabhai Kanji invited Alhaj Shabirbhai Najafi, Alhaj Akilbhai Hirji and Alhaj Sibteinbhai Merchant to hoist the Flag at Bilal Nursery & Primary school during their Sports Day. Alhamdulillah, the sports day was successful with various activities taken place.
The Housing Development Board wishes to accord its appreciation and thanks to the Kampala Jamaat President, Office Bearers, Trustees, Africa Federation Trustee from Uganda, Alhaj Shabirbhai Najafi for their warm hospitality in Kampala and for facilitating the various visits.
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