Chapter 553: Selfless for the Greater Good
For port cities to develop, they must rely heavily on support from their economic hinterland. Otherwise, even with favorable conditions, ports struggle to reach their full potential.
Take the Port of Maputo in Mozambique, for instance. It has excellent natural conditions and a prime location at the southern mouth of the Mozambique Channel. The Portuguese established a colonial outpost there, and over time, it became the capital of Portuguese Mozambique.
However, this century-old Portuguese port city was quickly surpassed by New Hamburg Port and left far behind. Despite recent investments in Maputo and Natal, it's now nearly impossible for them to catch up.
East Africa's heavy investment in New Hamburg Port is a key factor, but its connection to the southern section of the Central Railway also gives it an immense economic hinterland—serving the Southern Frontier Province, Lorraine Province, southern Matabele Province, and New Württemberg Province (formerly the Zulu Kingdom, Transvaal Republic, southern Zimbabwe, Botswana, and British Bechuanaland).
This makes the gap between the three ports obvious. Without integration into East Africa, Maputo will always fall short compared to New Hamburg.
Thus, East African port city development depends on inland support, while port cities reciprocate by supplying capital, technology, and labor.
This mutual support model is something Ernst greatly favored. As for internal conflicts of interest, East Africa didn't face many—immigrants from Eurasia were given genuine opportunities, generally matching their expectations. As a strong centralized state, East Africa's development hinged on the guidance of Ernst's authoritarian government.
This met the needs of the population, most of whom were previously feudal farmers with no political experience. Expecting them to self-govern would have led to chaos for centuries before competent leaders could emerge.
While Claire and his team were self-isolating, the East African government wasn't idle. The city of Grusegen was actively discussing the outbreak in Rowinard Village.
Grusegen had a total urban population of about 1,300 and oversaw seven villages. By modern standards, it was barely more than a large village. Still, it had most of the features of a small township.
Claire, as head of the city's Disease Control Center, held a high-ranking and influential position. He had seen East Africa's development firsthand and believed in the potential of the western region.
"Mayor, this is a letter from Director Claire. We've disinfected it. Please read it yourself," said the aide.
Mayor Mogville carefully read the letter from Claire.
After a moment, he said, "Director Claire reports that the situation in Rowinard Village is under control. There are no signs of the outbreak spreading. However, he recommends staying longer to be safe and asks us to remain prepared."
"Mayor, should we lock down the village then?"
"No need. If the village had lost control, we'd take stronger action. But with Claire's assurance—and he's highly experienced—we'll follow his advice."
Then Mogville added, "That said, we should still take precautions. Send two police officers to guard the road between Rowinard and the city. If anyone tries to leave, we'll be notified right away."
"Only two, sir? Isn't that a bit few?"
"I've considered it. Our population is small, and so is our police force. We already have two officers in the village. If we had more, I'd seal off the village entirely. But we'll do what we can with what we have. Two people to monitor should be enough."
"Sigh, true. Grusegen is still in its infancy. We lack almost everything—especially people. But you've still led us to growth, Mayor."
"Save the flattery. I know my limits. My job is to copy what's worked elsewhere and apply it here. If you do well, I'll remember it. If you mess up, I'll deal with you. If you want the city to thrive, stop scheming and start solving problems."
"Yes, sir, you're right."
"Also, don't forget Rowinard Village's food and supplies. The first grain harvest isn't in yet—we need to coordinate with the province and make sure Rowinard gets what they need. As the saying goes, 'Food in hand brings peace of mind.' As long as they're fed, they'll stay calm and stay put."
"Shall we deliver directly to the village?"
"Didn't we already set up a supply drop-off point? Pack everything securely—don't let wild animals carry it off."
East Africa had learned from experience. It had systems in place. The supply station was a small house midway between Rowinard and Grusegen, usually unused, but activated in emergencies like this.
"Oh, and make sure to disinfect everything when you go—especially the supply point. Don't get careless."
"Understood, Mayor. Anything else?"
After thinking a moment, Mogville said, "Almost forgot. Claire mentioned in his letter that the outbreak likely started from hunting and eating wild animals. We warned them before—East African wildlife is protected. Now people are dead, and we're left cleaning up the mess."
"Exactly! They don't take government warnings seriously—then expect us to fix everything," his aide added quickly.
"This shows our public education still isn't enough. Otherwise, we could've avoided this. Since it happened in Rowinard, let's use them as a case study. Launch a citywide awareness campaign. Let people know that every rule exists for a reason."
"Yes, Mayor. Should we include all the surrounding villages too?"
"Yes, every village under our jurisdiction—except Rowinard. They've learned the lesson firsthand. Nothing teaches like experience."
Then Mogville continued, "And for the province, after this outbreak ends, report everything truthfully. Don't sugarcoat it. We'll do our part properly."
"Uh..."
"Don't worry. I'll take responsibility. Even if there's a problem, it's not necessarily our fault. Our follow-up has been excellent."
"Mayor, you're truly selfless…"
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