New Bakwata HQ on the cards

Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda is expected to lay the foundation stone for a project to construct National Muslim Council of Tanzania (Bakwata) new headquarters at the end of this week.

Mr Makonda has also promised to mobilise resources for the implementation of the project whose cost is estimated at Sh5.8 billion.

The RC said his decision to spearhead the collection of funds for the of the project is based on his recognition of efforts by Bakwata to preserving the country’s peace. The new headquarters will be constructed at the current Bakwata headquarters in Kinondoni.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Mr Makonda said the project will be implemented within 14 months of laying the foundation stone.

“I am really proud of the role that religious leaders, including those in Bakwata, have been playing in maintaining peace; that is why I have decided to spearhead the fundraiser,” said the RC. He handed the plan of the new building to the Chief Sheikh Abubakar Zubeir.

Speaking during the occasion, Sheikh Zubeir heaped praise to the Dar es Salaam RC for his endless support to the society.

“On behalf of my fellow Muslims and Bakwata, I would like to thank you for your support. I also ask other stakeholders to lend a hand to the needy,” said Sheikh Zubeir.

In a similar development, the chairman of Shia Ithna Ashery Jamaa in Tanzania, Mr Azim Dewji, pledged to contribute Sh25 million for the implementation of the project.

He also promised to speak to some of prominent businessmen in the country, including Mr Mohamedi Dewji and Mr Yusuph Manji to see if they can lend their support to the noble project.

“If they can finance big football clubs like Simba and Yanga, why can’t they contribute to facilitate religious matters? I assure you that they will contribute,” he stated.