Positive attitudes to mosque development

AN informative meeting to discuss the Musgrave Mosque development earmarked for St Thomas Road, was held on Thursday evening at the St Thomas Church hall.

Imran Bobat, project co-ordinator and trustee of the Musgrave Mosque addressed those who attended the meeting, most of which from the Muslim community and also included a handful of other interested residents. Bobat said he was encouraged by the turnout, which showed that civic responsibility on the Berea was “vibrant and on fire.”

He went on to say it was important for residents to make an effort to understand the culture and creed of people in the area, and explained the changing demographics and the fact there were more Muslims now living on the Berea.

“We are holding this meeting not to ask residents’ permission to build the mosque, as this is going through the City’s planning department, but rather to explain to our neighbours what we are doing. Six years ago we had a little prayer facility opposite the Catholic church in St Thomas’ Road, but we have outgrown that facility,” he said.

Bobat said the proposed mosque would be the first on the Berea and was unique as it was surrounded by churches of all denominations, as well as a synagogue. Some of the surrounding places of worship have been in existence since the 1890s.

“We have consulted with many roleplayers who have an interest in the project and were interrogated at length by the ward councillor, Jethro Lefevre. Following a series of meetings he has given his unequivocal approval. AMAFA recommended we consult with Save Our Berea, and we have had approval verbally and in writing from Cheryl Johnson and Kevin Dunkley,” he said.

Bobat explained to residents that Muslims pray five times a day for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, and on a Friday for 45 minutes.

“What could become the most controversial part of our prayer is the call to prayer, which is the most beautiful way to call out and praise God. The million dollar question is whether we will be calling out on a loud speaker or not. After extensive consultation, we have decided not to do this,” he said.

Jameel Shaik, project manager, explained to residents about the process taken, from the inception of the idea 18 months ago, to where the project was currently.

He said a professional team was involved who were experienced in the development of a project of this type, and would do the responsible thing and follow City by-laws. He said they were in the process of making an application to AMAFA and for rezoning, and that transfers of the property, title deeds and a traffic impact assessment were completed.

He said the building had been well thought out and the group had imported Moroccan designs. He said the development would provide for 101 parking bays in an underground basement and ground floor parking area.

Most people live in the area and will walk to the mosque. There will be no major congestion on normal prayer days. All activities will be off-street. We have conformed to all regulations, – he said.

Shaik said the AMAFA and rezoning applications as well as consolidation and lodging of plans is estimated to be complete in 12 to 15 months, and the project should take around two years to complete.

“We will ensure contractors are monitored well to ensure little disruption to residents. We will be available to residents to field questions or any concerns where residents are affected personally,” he said.

Residents’ concerns which have been raised around the development included rezoning issues and the fact there could be more people attending prayers than parking spaces, which could cause an overflow onto the roads.

Bobat said the mosque would cater for around 450 people, however men would also be walking to prayer or sharing cars.

“We have been given a ratio by the traffic department and are certain parking issues won’t be irritating to residents. Friday could possibly be busy, however this will be controlled. There will be no parking on the pavement,” he said.

On the issue of rezoning, Kevin Dunkley said Save Our Berea was not supportive of spot rezoning, however the mosque should be one reason for it.

“We support this 100 per cent. Everyone is concerned about parking, however no other church in the area has so many parking spaces. We feel this will bring Berea to the fore,” he said.

Bobat assured the residents that the building would be a beautiful landmark for many years to come and would dovetail with the milieu of the area. He said the development would increase the marketability of properties, and security in the area would be increased, as there would be 24 hour security at the mosque. He said the fact that people would be going to the mosque at varying times of the day would deter thieves and vandals.

“All developments attract a fair share of controversy but we will do everything possible to ensure we follow the right channels and create something which will provide for the need of Muslims in the area,” he said.