African Entrepreneurship Record

Chapter 566: Chapter 244: The Grand Duke’s Selflessness

A port city seeking development cannot do without strong support from its economic hinterland; otherwise, no matter how advantageous the port conditions are, it is difficult to have better development prospects.

Take Maputo Port in Mozambique, for instance; its natural conditions are quite favorable. Maputo is located at the southern entrance of the Mozambique Channel, a geographically advantageous position. Hence, the Portuguese established a colonial outpost in Maputo, which gradually became the capital of Portuguese Mozambique as history progressed.

However, this port city, developed by the Portuguese over the course of a hundred years, was quickly surpassed by New Hamburg Port City in a short period, with the gap widening rapidly. Even though Maputo and Natal are now experiencing significant investments, catching up has turned out to be a formidable challenge.

This is because East Africa’s substantial investments into New Hamburg Port are undoubtedly key. Moreover, relying on the southern section of the Central Railway route, the economic hinterland of New Hamburg Port City includes the Southern Border Province, Lorraine Province, southern Matebel Province, and the new Württemberg Province (which was formerly the Zulu Kingdom, Transvaal Republic, southern Zimbabwe, Botswana, and British Bechuanaland).

Thus, the direct disparity among these three ports is evident; without integration into East Africa, Maputo can only remain subordinate to New Hamburg Port City.

Therefore, the development of East African port cities cannot be separated from the support of inland cities. Conversely, port cities also provide inland areas funds, technology, manpower, and other necessities for development.

Mutual support creates this overall social environment that Ernst greatly appreciates. As for conflicts of interest, East Africa currently does not have many issues. After all, East Africa indeed offers a way out for immigrants coming from Eurasia, basically meeting psychological expectations. As a big government nation, the development of East African countries cannot occur without the guidance of the autocratic government led by Ernst.

This aligns with the demands of East African people, who eagerly hope that the government will intervene in various aspects because before coming to East Africa, over ninety percent of them were feudal peasants scraping food from the land, without their own opinions. If they managed the country’s affairs themselves, it could be chaotic for hundreds of years before developing competent personnel to manage the country.

While Claire and others were self-isolating, the East African government did not really just let things happen unchecked. Glucegen City is also discussing the epidemic issues in Rovinard Village.

Glucegen City’s total urban population is more than 1,300 people, with seven smaller villages below. Actually, in this time period, Glucegen City might just be a slightly larger village, but it pretty much has the same features as other towns should have.

Therefore, Claire, the city disease control center director, holds a prominent position with substantial power. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come to endure further hardships from east to west. He has witnessed East Africa’s development and thus holds a promising view of the potential for development in the western region.

”Mayor, this is the letter sent back by Director Claire. We have disinfected the letter, but you should take a look at the specific content yourself.”

Mayor Morgville of Glucegen City carefully read the letter sent back by Claire.

After a brief pause, he said, ”Director Claire has stated that the current situation in Rovinard Village is good, with no signs of epidemic spread. However, to be on the safe side, he plans to stay there for a while longer and asks us to get prepared.”

”Mayor, should we lock down Rovinard Village?”

”Lockdown is unnecessary; if the situation in Rovinard Village really gets out of control, then we could say otherwise. Right now, we have Director Claire’s assurance, and he has much experience from the eastern region. Just trust his advice.”

Yet, Morgville then remarked, ”Of course, we should still not do nothing. Send two police officers to guard the road from Rovinard Village to the city, and in case someone slips through privately, they can promptly inform the city.”

”Mayor, aren’t two people a bit too few?”

”I certainly considered this; our city’s population is small, and the police force is insufficient. Moreover, we have previously sent two officers to Rovinard Village for command. If personnel were sufficient, I would definitely want to first lock down Rovinard Village. Therefore, we just do what is within our means, sending two people for surveillance is enough.”

”Ah, that’s true; our Glucegen City hasn’t been established for long and lacks everything, especially the population. If there were more people, it would be better. Hence, Mayor, you are impressive for leading Glucegen City onward under such circumstances.”

”Stop flattering; I have self-awareness of my capabilities. My task is to replicate the model of other regions, discovering Glucegen City. As for you all, I’ll record merits and punish errors alike. If you truly want promising development, restrain selfish thoughts and earnestly resolve the problems of Glucegen City.”

”Mayor, you have taught us well.”

”By the way, the issue of food and supplies in Rovinard Village must not be ignored. The first phase of food is yet to be harvested, so we still rely on province-level allocations, preparing the necessary portions for Rovinard. As the saying goes, ’With grain in hand, the mind is at ease,’ so now we aim to keep the mindset of Rovinard’s residents stable, ensuring they stay in the village.”

”Directly delivered to Rovinard Village?”

”Wasn’t a material reception station designed back then? You are to pack the items properly, preventing wild animals from stealing them away.”

East Africa has essentially grown from being ill-treated to being skilled in handling epidemics, having considerable experience. The material reception station was preemptively designed, basically serving as a small house between Rovinard Village and Glucegen City. Typically unused, it’s put to use when outbreaks occur.

”Remember, every trip should involve proper disinfection, especially at the material reception station—never overlook such caution.”

”Understood, Mayor. Any other instructions?”

After thinking for a moment, Morgville recalled something and then said, ”Almost forgot, Director Claire previously mentioned in the letter that the probable cause of this epidemic was due to the poaching and consumption of wild animals. This group of people just wouldn’t listen; we had previously instructed them that East Africa’s animals should not be disposed of arbitrarily. Now, unfortunately, they’ve lost their lives and left us with a big mess.”

”Indeed, they truly disregard what the government says, but when problems occur, we are ultimately responsible for dealing with them.” The subordinates hurriedly agreed with Morgville.

”This indicates that our promotional work is still inadequate; otherwise, such incidents could be greatly avoided. Well, since Rovinard Village had this incident, let’s use Rovinard Village as a typical example to carry out a city-wide educational campaign, letting them understand that regulations aren’t just set up for no reason, and that without rules, there is no order.”

”Yes, Mayor. But should the same be implemented in those other villages beneath?”

”Indeed, besides Rovinard Village now, other villages within our city should all undertake this education. As for Rovinard Village, I believe, after this lesson, they will have learned deeply from it; a small setback can drive great progress, being more effective than any education.”

Morgville contemplated before continuing, ”Additionally, after this epidemic concludes, report work at the provincial level. Whatever the details, present them truthfully without attempting deception; let’s just focus on doing our job well.”

”This...”

”I am not worried, so what are you afraid of? Even if issues arise, I am the primary responsible party. Moreover, the cause of this epidemic doesn’t necessarily result from our mistakes, and our subsequent work has been quite adequate.”

”Mayor, truly you are selfless...”