Updated 30 March 2011


In 2008-9, The World Federation of KSIMC partnered with The Africa Federation and the Dar es Salaam Jamaat to develop As-Sadiq Housing Project in response to the lack of affordable housing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. By the Grace of the Almighty, this 7-story building has now been completed and houses 18 families. The total cost of developing this project is about $750,000 (USD). The World Federation of KSIMC is appealing to donors from around the world to help fund the $226,100 (USD) shortfall. Since the Tanzanian government’s redevelopment of ‘nationalized properties’, families in Tanzania continue to struggle to afford decent accommodations.

Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania with a population of 2.8 million people. With the population increasing at an annual rate of 4.39%, Dar es Salaam has become the 3rd fastest growing city in Africa and the 9th fastest in the world. By the year 2020, the metro population is expected to reach 5.12 million.

WHAT LED TO THE SHORTAGE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING?
Today, one of the leading challenges facing the Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim community in Dar es Salaam is the shortage of affordable housing. About 80% of our community members in Dar es Salaam live in rental houses which are government owned. The housing problem started when the Tanzanian government authorized the redevelopment of these ‘nationalized properties’. This decision has seriously affected the Asian middle class communities in Dar es Salaam, who were mainly the residents in these buildings.

WHY ARE THE NEW COSTS OF THE REDEVELOPED BUILDINGS 
Since the redevelopment,
• The rental units demand higher rent; rents have increased from $1,200 (USD) to $1,500 (USD) per month for a 3 bedroom apartment.
• Tenants are now required to pay a monthly strata fee of $100 (USD) to $200 (USD) which covers service charges for common utilities including security.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME?
The average monthly income of a middle class family (of 4 to 5 members) in Dar es Salaam is about $1,000 (USD) to $1,500 (USD). This typical family would require a 3 bedroom apartment and would also have to budget for other expenses including food, school fees, electricity, water and medical. 

When a family’s rent is equal to its monthly income, it becomes extremely difficult to be able to afford a decent standard of living.

WHAT ARE THE HOUSING NEEDS IN OUR COMMUNITY? 
Last Ramadhan, in his address to the community, the President of Dar es Salaam Jamaat informed the members that there was an immediate need for about 250 flats to house community members in Dar es Salaam alone. He added that this number could increase if the redevelopment of nationalized properties continues. 

WHAT HAS THE WORLD FEDERATION DONE TO HELP?
To address the critical housing needs of our community members in Tanzania, The World Federation has supported two major projects to date:

• ARUSHA:  In 2005, The World Federation supported The Africa Federation’s efforts to provide affordable housing in Tanzania by donating $260,000 (USD) to help purchase and renovate a building in Arusha. Today, this building houses 13 Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri families from Somalia who were rescued following the civil war there. This 4-story building is located in Arusha town in the Levolosi area.

• DAR ES SALAAM:  AS-SADIQ BUILDING:  In 2008-2009, The World Federation in collaboration with The Africa Federation and the Dar es Salaam Jamaat initiated a housing project to develop housing for the struggling families in Dar es Salaam. Permission was granted to utilize Huqooq funds (Sehme Imam) for this project. 

The As-Sadiq Building, a 7-story building was constructed on Tandamti Street in the Kariakoo area in Dar es Salaam. Here, the Jamaat owned plot of land which was undeveloped. Today, this building is complete and ready for occupation. The As-Sadiq Building has:
• 2 shops and 2 go-downs (where rental income will pay for maintenance and repairs of the building)
• 18 flats (12 one bedroom and 6 two bedroom flats)
• Elevator
• Transformer
• Balcony grills
• Water tanks on the ground floor and terrace with a total capacity of 30,000 litres
• 3 water pumps (one water pump for incoming water line)
• Individual electricity meters for each flat

The total cost of developing the As-Sadiq Building is about $750,000 USD. This cost may vary slightly when the closing payments are finalized.

TO DONATE
The Holy Prophet (S) has said:  “He who strives to grant the needs of his brother in faith is like he has worshipped Allah for nine thousand years, fasting his days and praying his nights.”

To Donate on The World Federation website, click here
To Donate in Canada or USA, (via NASIMCO), click here  
To Donate in Europe (via CoEJ), click here

For more information, please email relief@world-federation.org