Dakar is a city with a rich military history.The port of Dakar remains a chief seaport on the western African coast, and has been instrumental to the development of the city of Dakar.The port, which was subjected to the Battle of Dakar, is situated across Goree Island.This island, which holds boundless historical significance, was the largest slave-trading centre on the African coast. Ntonga has conceptualized the world’s first African military heritage waterfront development, amptly titled ‘Artellerie de la Côte’.
BACKGROUND
It serves to reason that there is no area as rich in African history than the area between the Port of Dakar and Goree Island. During September 1940, there was an attempt by the Allies of World War II, to capture the strategic port of Dakar. A total of 450 bombs were dropped on the harbor and dockyards of the port of Dakar, in what was to be called the Battle of Dakar. The attempt was unsuccessful as most of the bombs missed target, limiting damage to infrastructure and causing few casualties.
Goree Island, a World Heritage Site, also has resounding historical importance to Africa. During the 15th to the 19th century, an estimated 20 million Africans passed through the Island. Ruled in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and the French, Africans were brought the island, sold into slavery, held in warehouses to be shipped across the Atlantic Ocean. Although the island is now a popular tourist attraction, it still remains as a reminder and a memorial of the African Diaspora.
THE PROJECT
Ntonga has conceptualized and will in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Air Transport in the Republic of Senegal develop a military heritage waterfront development, Artellerie de la Cote, in celebration of this rare and rich history.
The development includes:
- Conference centre
- Hotels
- Military Museum
- Open Square
- Cultural Food Court
- Visitors Centre
- Cable Car connection to Goree Island