Firstly, we would like to congratulate the entire community on the auspicious event of Mab'ath and Me'raj on the 27th of Rajab. Mab'ath is the foundation of our religion and Me'raj shows the heights which the Holy Prophet (SAW) was taken to. As we all know, with a firm foundation we can continue building to greater and greater heights.
Alhamdulillah, with the blessings of the Almighty Allah (S.W.T.), the allocation of apartments at the Madina Residency has now been completed and the results have been shared with the applicants on the 27th January 2025.
The process of allocation has not been easy and it took longer than expected due to various factors such as the high number of applicants and the time required to understand the needs of each applicant so as to make a fair decision.
Below is a glimpse of the figures with which the Allocation Committee has had to deal with:
1. Number of Applicants for Rent to Own Scheme – 197
2. Number of Eligible Applicants - 158
3. Number of Apartments Available for Rent to Own Scheme- 57
As per the above, it can be noted that the number of eligible applicants exceeded the available apartments by 277%. In other words, the apartments were enough to only cater for 36% of the eligible applicants. This resulted in an even greater challenge for the Allocation Committee to allocate the apartments based on the needs of each of the applicants and their families on a case to case basis. Interviews were conducted for each of the applicants and due process was followed so as to understand the needs of each family.
The Allocation Committee has tried its best to allocate the apartments in the fairest manner. We have considered various factors in the process of making the allocations and have also catered for those applicants having financial constraints in making the down payment deposit. We have also focused on the allocation of apartments to larger families due to the increased risk factors of sustainability for the families.
Due to the various needs of the members, the Housing Board have taken further steps to increase the apartments under Rent to Own by transforming an additional floor from Outright Purchase Scheme to Rent to Own Scheme. This will impact the funding of the project construction which the Housing Board will have to source from donors and well-wishers.
Since the release of the allocation results, the Allocation Committee and the Housing Board have received several correspondences from applicants who were disappointed due to not having been allocated apartments. While we understand the frustrations of the applicants, we are limited with the resources available and have tried our best to accommodate as much as we could within our capacity.
We would like to inform those applicants who were unable to be allocated in this project due to the limited number of apartments, that they will be given priority in our next project in Upanga.
While we are witnessing a dire need for housing in the community, we pray that Almighty Allah (S.W.T) gives us strength and guidance to overcome these challenges. The Housing Board is continuing to look into this matter seriously and in order to be able to accomplish these objectives, we need the support of our community together with the Jamaats and our donors.
In light of the immense demand as highlighted above and the great number of applications, especially from large families; some are currently living up to 8 members in a 2 bedroom house, and many in not so good areas of Dar es Salaam, I humbly request the Jamaat, as well as other institutions and private individuals to at least come up with plots of land to enable us to provide additional units to cater for urgent and desperate cases.
One of the criteria of rent to own is that the applicant should be a first time buyer. All those who have been allocated apartments don’t own a property, so this will also be an economic boost and financial security for them, in addition to living in a safe and comfortable environment, away from bad influences and bad neighborhoods. This is very important and it is our duty to ensure the members are accommodated away from such areas.
I sincerely appreciate the Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Amine Nassor, the Office Bearers and Trustees for their visionary leadership in continuing to address the critical housing needs of our community. Their commitment to providing sustainable and affordable housing solutions reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by many families.
Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Allocation Committee as below for their hard work and tireless efforts put into this exercise:
1. Shakerabai Dhanani
2. Zakiyabai Khamisa
3. Akilbhai Somji
4. Arifbhai Dhirani
5. Irfanbhai Mahershah
6. Mohammedbhai Moledina
7. Shahidbhai Murji
8. Zulfikarbhai Alimohamed
I would also like to thank our advisor Alhaj Shabirbhai Najafi for his regular guidance especially in adding one more floor for rent to own and other areas.
May Allah (S.W.T.) bless them along with their families for their sacrifices - Ameen.
Housing Board Chairman
Akil G. Hirji
30th January 2025
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