BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) yesterday laid the groundworks for the construction of a $437,380 five-unit terrace houses in Kg Katok.

Upon completion, the terrace houses will be rented out to members of the public.

Occupying a land area of 0.6 acres, each unit has a floor space of around 1,500 square feet comprising three bedrooms, two toilets, a kitchen, a living room, a storeroom and a garage.

The five-unit terrace house project is the second project under a five-year strategic plan structured by an appointed council, Badan Tanmiah Harta Majlis Ugama Islam, to manage MUIB’s assets.

“Under this five-year strategic plan, we will be constructing houses and buildings that could generate income for MUIB,” said Mohd Adi Asnawi Adanan, a representative from Badan Tanmiah Harta Majlis Ugama Islam.

The Kg Katok project was designed and will be constructed by Noracon Sdn Bhd for the duration of 12 months.

Mohd Adi also revealed that the council’s first project in June, which involved the construction of five terrace houses in Kg Rimba at a cost of $514,250, is expected to be completed within six months before the end of 2016.

“Once completed, we will advertise to the public and private agencies as well as members of the public for rent,” he said, adding that the rental rates would go for as low as $700 a month for unfurnished homes.

“We haven’t decided on the actual rental pricing, but it will follow the standard price of low-cost modern terrace houses,” he added.

Besides houses, the council also plans to build a childcare centre and a multipurpose hall.

The Foundation Laying Ceremony at the site was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs and Chairman of the Board of the Badan Tanmiah Harta Majlis Ugama Islam, Pg Dato Paduka Hj Bahrom Pg Hj Bahar.

The Badan Tanmiah Harta Majlis Ugama Islam was established in 1995 with the objective to develop MUIB’s assets or properties for the purpose of generating income for the socio-economic development of the Muslim community in the sultanate.

The Brunei Times