September 28, 2022
2 Min. Read

"We are listening to our clients'

Rayah Iddi sets an example as the first woman construction project manager in Fumba. 

The Moyoni homes in Fumba Town stand out for several reasons. Entirely built in pre-fab timber technology, the fifty or so low-rise apartments around a communal pool (still in the making) are designed for young families - and their construction is supervised by the first female project manager in Fumba, 30 year old Rayah Iddi. Recently, the first 16 of the 1-3 bedroom apartments with a flexible floor plan were handed over to their respective buyers. “Everybody was very happy with the outstanding quality”, says the female engineer  - for a reason: Homeowners had a choice of tiles, kitchen appliances and many other details. “We are listening to our clients”, says Rayah. 

Much of it seems her merit. Fully equipped kitchens by German company “Sachsenkuechen” in beige cross-laminated timber provide an airy look. Drawers and doors close automatically in gentle perfection. Low windows lend light to the ground and first floor units, designed by Dutch architect Leander Moons. “And look here”, points out Raya, taking visitors around, “we managed to carve out a TV niche hiding all unwanted cable salad.” 

Bathroom tiles are extra-high; bedrooms have pre-installed, elegant black reading lights, “one thing less to worry about for clients. We wanted class and quality”, Rayah explains. No doubt, Moyoni, although among the lower-cost units in Fumba, displays a thoughtful woman’s touch thanks to her. “By beginning of next year all units will be ready”, the engineer promises. 

After completing her bachelor in construction management at Dar es Salaam university, Rayah was trained and employed by Volks.house, the German led timber construction company in Fumba. She started out as a construction engineer with normal stone buildings before switching to timber and became “a total timber fan”, as she puts it. “I learnt a lot with Volkshouse” she says. Directing an all-male team of builders “is not difficult”, she claims. “On the site I don’t feel neither as a woman nor a man”, the Muslim single mum elaborates with a smile. “It’s simply a working atmosphere.”

From an early age onward her father encouraged her and three sibblings: “You can do it.” Later, it became Volks.house owner and mentor Thomas Just to support her: “Rayah, you can do it.”  - “All that gave me a lot of confidence”, the young engineer, mother of 2 ½ year old Ibrahim, says and has a one word of advice for fellow women: “Don’t be scared in life.”

Related Articles

March 31, 2021
3 mins.

Two Fumbas - One Idea

Find out all about new exciting seaside developments just outside Zanzibar city It’s all happening on the Fumba peninsula: Two major real estate developments creating modern living space with holiday flats and permanent family homes near the overcrowded capital. By ANDREA TAPPER Both aspiring seaside communities, started in 2015/16, fascinate locals as well as a […]
read more
March 28, 2023
3 mins.

HOW TO MANAGE A TOWN IN ZANZIBAR

Fumba Town backstage: from streets to schools to solar energy. The city of the future, urbanisation on a global scale - these topics are hotly debated all over the world. Katrin Dietzold, co-founder and new town manager of Fumba Town in Zanzibar, explains priorities and challenges - on the ground.  THE FUMBA TIMES: A mosque […]
read more
March 21, 2023
3 mins.

#MY RAMADAN “My detox from a lot of things”

Is it hard to stay without water? Can you actually work? Are tourists welcome? Hafsa Mbamba, prominent Zanzibari career woman and mum, gives us an insight into her life during the holy month, taking place around 22 March to 20 April this year. Please tell us about your Ramadan routine - between office and family?  […]
read more
March 14, 2023
3 mins.

“We must save our history now”

EXCLUSIVE: New Director of Museums and Antiquities speaks out during walk-about in Stone Town More than 1000 years of vibrant history. World Heritage status. Stone Town is a unique treasure, a priceless tourism jewel. Maryam Mansab, the new young director of all museums in Zanzibar, is set to save the “living museum”. Her office, for […]
read more

Are you looking for a property in Zanzibar?

25 essential questions and answers to buy property in Zanzibar

READ MORE
Whatsapp Us