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On Sunday, 7 June 2026, at 11:00 a.m., a delegation comprising Africa Federation Trustees Alhaj Shabir Najafi (accompanied by Shaheen bai Najafi and Sarah bai Najafi), Alhaj Mehboob Versi, Hon. Treasurer and Managing Trustee, Alhaj Muntazir Walji, Hon. Secretary Alhaj Alihassan Kassam and Hon. Assistant Secretary Alhaj Murtaza Kara conducted a site visit to the Madina Residency to view the progress of the project and assess ongoing construction activities. 


Also present were Housing Board Chairman Alhaj Akil Hirji, Education Board Chairman and Allocation Committee member Alhaj Arif Dhirani, Legal Advisor Zakiya bai Khamisa, Housing Board Member Alhaj Abaas Bhimji, AFED Project Coordinator, Br. Mohamed Moledina, AFED Business Park Supervisor Br. Irfanhaider Mahershah, AFED Chief Operating Officer Br. Mohamed Kazim Sheriff, AFED Accounts Staff Alhaj Zaheerabbas Hemani and Br. Shazirabbas Kermali together with the project contractor Mr. Kanti Patel, Site Supervisor Mr. Vinod Singaria, Electrical Sub-Contractor Alhaj Hasnain Hameer, and Structural Engineer Mr. Firoz Ghor.



The visit commenced with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Alhaj Akil Hirji, followed by a comprehensive tour of the project site. 


The delegation toured various sections of the project and received updates on construction progress, procurement activities, quality control measures, and the anticipated completion schedule. The Housing Board Chairman provided detailed briefings on the status of key works, ongoing finishing activities, displayed sample of materials purchased from aboard and the challenges being addressed to ensure timely project delivery.



Remarks from the Delegation

The delegation expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved to date and commended the efforts of the Housing Board, consultants, contractor, subcontractors, and project team for their dedication and commitment to the successful delivery of the project.


Alhaj Shabir Najafi stated that the visible progress of construction reflects the excellent work being carried out by the project team. He expressed confidence that members will soon enjoy the benefits of the development and commended all stakeholders for their collective efforts and commitment and asked contractor for the timely completion.


Alhaj Mehboob Versi remarked that the project is progressing well, with high-quality finishing works currently underway. He further noted that the spacious apartment layouts will provide significant comfort and value to members and their families.


Alhaj Muntazir Walji appreciated the opportunity to visit the project site and noted that such visits provide valuable insight into the progress being achieved through the funding and support approved by the Trustees. He remarked that the project is being managed professionally and efficiently and, as a Managing Trustee, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made to date.


Alhaj Alihassan Kassam stated, “Alhamdulillah, when I compare my previous visit with what I have witnessed today, the progress is remarkable. We pray that the project continues smoothly and is completed within the scheduled timeframe.”


Alhaj Murtaza Kara emphasized the importance of such site visits, noting that they allow leadership to witness firsthand the progress being achieved. He expressed confidence that the project will, Inshallah, provide significant benefits to the wider community. He also commended the commitment by the Housing Board Chairman Alhaj Akil Hirji, his board members and staff for their dedication towards providing affordable housing needs for the community.


In his concluding remarks, Housing Board Chairman Alhaj Akil Hirji expressed his sincere appreciation to the Trustees, Office Bearers, Board Members, and all attendees for taking the time to visit the project site. He emphasized that the success of the project is a direct result of teamwork, collaboration, and a shared commitment among all stakeholders.


He highlighted that through regular site meetings, effective coordination, numerous technical discussions, and continuous monitoring of project milestones, the team has been able to achieve substantial progress despite various challenges. He further noted that the foundation of every successful project is teamwork and that the achievements witnessed today reflect the collective dedication, professionalism, and hard work of the consultants, Housing Board, contractor, subcontractors, and AFED management team working together towards a common goal.


He concluded by reaffirming the Housing Board’s commitment to delivering a quality development that will serve members and the community for generations to come.




Buyer Payment commitment and Allocation Regularization


As the project progresses steadily towards completion, we are pleased to note the significant milestones that have been achieved to date.


We have observed that few buyers have fallen behind on their scheduled payments, we therefore strongly urge all buyers to regularize their accounts and ensure that future payments are made promptly. Timely payments are essential to support uninterrupted construction progress, avoid additional financing costs, and prevent any penalties that may arise due to payment delays.


Please note that the sale of outright apartments has been temporarily closed until further notice. Members will be advised when another sales phase is opened where by apartments available will be offered through a transparent tender process.


The Rent-to-Own category is facing similar challenges, with few allocated buyers failing to comply with their agreed payment commitments. To address this matter, the Allocation Committee to convene a special meeting with all affected buyers and provide them with a final opportunity to regularize their accounts and formally reconfirm their commitment to the scheme within the agreed timeline.


We thank all buyers who have consistently honored their commitments and contributed to the progress achieved thus far. With the continued cooperation of all stakeholders, Inshallah, the project will be completed successfully and delivered for the benefit of the community.


May Allah (SWT) grant continued success and barakah in the completion of this project, Ameen.


 

Secretariat

Housing Development Board


12th June 2026 

 
 
 

Alhaj Fidahussein Abdalla Hameer was a personality whose life reflected quiet dedication, steadfast service and a deep commitment to the growth and preservation of the Shia Ithna-Asheri community in East Africa. Over several decades, he remained actively engaged in community affairs, missionary activities and institutional development, leaving behind a legacy shaped through consistency, humility and sincere service. 


Born on 13th October 1921 in Zanzibar to Abdalla Hameer and Sherbanoo Abdalla Hameer, Fidahusseinbhai was the only brother among seven siblings: Fatmabai Remtulla, Kulsumbai Nurmohammed, Sugrabai Sheriff Dewji, Sikina Alimohammed Jaffer, Rukiya Abdalla Hameer and Zehra Mohamed Jaffer. 


He pursued his primary education at Sir Euan Smith Madrassa School in Zanzibar before continuing his secondary studies at Allidina Visram High School in Mombasa and Ransi Devraj High School in Mundra, Cutch, India. From an early age, he demonstrated a keen interest in both community and social activities, serving as Honorary Secretary of the Ithna-Asheri Sports Club in Tanga between 1942 and 1943. 


A businessman by profession, Fidahusseinbhai balanced his professional responsibilities with extensive voluntary service to the community spanning more than seven decades. In 1944, he married Shirinbanoo Kassim Manji in Tanga, and together they were blessed with seven children: Zulfikar, Safder, Mahmood, Hasanain, Shamim Pirani, Sabira Manji and Siddika Jaffer. 


His contribution to Jamaat affairs began at a young age. He served as Honorary Secretary of the Tanga Jamaat from 1946 to 1948, then continued as a Committee Member and Honorary Auditor until 1956. Following his move to Dar es Salaam, he served as Honorary Secretary of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat from 1962 to 1971, a period marked by important transitions within the region. In 1973, he also served as Vice-Chairman of the Africa Federation. 


Among his most notable contributions was his role as a founding member of the Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania in 1968. A visionary leader, he was instrumental in establishing and nurturing the institution, serving as its Chairman and Trustee for many decades. Through initiatives such as The Light journal, educational programmes and extensive tabligh activities, he contributed significantly towards promoting the teachings and understanding of the Madhhab of Ahlulbayt (AS) across Tanzania. He remained actively involved in community service and Bilal Muslim Mission activities throughout his life until his demise.



Fidahusseinbhai also witnessed and participated in key historical moments that shaped the East African community, including the Zanzibar Revolution and the migration and settlement of families across the region. During the Zanzibar Revolution, he played an active role in coordinating support and assistance for displaced families, helping many navigate a period of great uncertainty. He was known for his thoughtful reflections and balanced outlook, often sharing experiences that highlighted dialogue, understanding and leadership during challenging times.


Years later, recognizing the importance of preserving these experiences for future generations, he authored one of the community’s most challenging chapters titled “Crying Out for Freedom”. Drawing upon his firsthand involvement and meticulous records, the book recounts the forced marriage crisis in Zanzibar and the collective efforts undertaken to protect vulnerable families. More than a historical account, it stands as a testament to the resilience, unity and courage of a community that came together in the face of adversity, ensuring that this significant chapter of its history would not be forgotten.


He also served as Editor of Federation Samachar from 1984 to 1986. In recognition of his longstanding dedication and outstanding services to the community, he was bestowed the Husseini Medal in 1988. Following his demise, he was further honoured with the Haidery Medal in 2011, awarded posthumously in appreciation of his lifelong service and contributions.


Despite advancing age, he never distanced himself from service. He remained actively involved in communal activities until his final days, reflecting a lifetime dedicated to serving others with sincerity and steadfastness.


Alhaj Fidahussein Abdalla Hameer passed away on 6th March 2011. His life remains a reminder of the lasting impact of sincere and consistent service carried out with humility, wisdom and unwavering commitment to the community and its institutions.


We pray that Allah (swt) grants him maghfirah and amply rewards him for his noble services to the community, Ameen. We request readers to remember Marhum Fidahussein Abdalla Hameer and all Marhumeen with Surah al-Fateha.


Article Source: Family of Marhum Fidahussein Abdalla Hameer


 

SECRETARIAT

ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION


12th June 2026 / 26th Zilhajj 1447 AH



 
 
 
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