Idris Elba has shared details of his “dream” to turn an island off the coast of Sierra Leone, the country where his father was born, into an environmentally friendly smart city.
The performer is collaborating with his long-time acquaintance to create Sherbro, which is approximately equal to the area of the Isle of Man. This is possible after the government of a West African country granted a sufficient level of self-governance to the island for the project to proceed.
At first, our intention was to figure out how to promote tourism to the breathtaking 19 miles of beachfront,” Elba explained to the BBC. However, his friend Siaka Stevens noted that Sierra Leone was not ready to handle a large number of tourists.
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The duo, who have been close since childhood in the eastern outskirts of London, opted to undertake a bolder venture. Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP), their organization, has made deals with both the government of Sierra Leone and various prominent companies to construct an environmentally-friendly city through a collaboration between the public and private sectors.
A partnership has been formed with energy company Octopus to construct the first windfarm in Sierra Leone on the remote island, which does not have access to electricity and requires a two-hour ferry ride from the mainland. Elba emphasized the importance of a sustainable approach towards the development of the project.
Equally vital will be the consideration of local customs and sensitivities, as Elba has expressed his desire to establish a cosmopolitan city that combines African heritage, energy, and pride with advanced infrastructure and amenities.
He expressed his desire for the island’s character to stay preserved, as it is a gorgeous and lush part of the world that shouldn’t be disrupted.
He stated, “The focus should be on becoming self-sufficient and creating an economy with potential for growth. I am determined to change the perception of Africa as a dependent on aid. This opportunity is unique.”
Three important guidelines for the project have been established by He and Stevens. One of these is to create it with a focus on African cultural values and principles, emphasizing the importance of community, collaboration, and reverence for nature.
They expressed intentions to create infrastructure that can adjust to evolving social, economic, and environmental circumstances. Their plan will incorporate eco-friendly principles, such as constructing in an environmentally conscious, energy-saving, and climate change-adapting manner.
Stevens stated that the progress on the island will be powered by renewable energy sources.
The duo stated that they had additionally attempted to seek input from the inhabitants of the island. They disclosed that they have individually made multiple visits to meet with community leaders.
In the previous month, it was disclosed that Lloyds of London would be involved in the initiative. However, it was clarified that Stevens and Elba’s business was still in the midst of conducting feasibility studies with the Sierra Leonean government.
Elba and Stevens expressed their hope to begin the project approximately one year after the studies commence. However, they emphasize that this is a long-term process that may span several decades.
One significant consideration for the project is feasibility. It has been reported that SAP is aiming to secure billions of dollars from different sources.
Akon, a singer from the US and Senegal, has unveiled a project to construct a futuristic city in his ancestral homeland. The initial stage was scheduled for completion by the end of last year. However, as stated by the Guardian in December, the project has faced setbacks and disputes, with only a youth center and the foundation of the “welcome center” completed thus far.
Although Akon was applauded for the futuristic appearance of his proposed city, there are doubts about its actual realization. This skepticism is fueled by the limited information available about the plans.
Elba has openly expressed his strengths. He stated, “I never would have imagined that I could establish a base for a smart-city in my lifetime … I am not equipped for that. However, I am capable of having ambitious dreams.”
“I am employed in the entertainment industry, so it feels like a dream come true.”
He stated, “A part of me desires to construct a lovely retirement home for my mother.”
The performer informed the network that his deceased father may have considered the ambition too grand. However, he expressed that his father would be pleased and advise his son, “If you’re going to pursue it, ensure that you do it correctly. Put in your best effort and do it wholeheartedly because that’s the most you can do.”
Source: theguardian.com
