Chapter 70: Mombasa
On March 11, 1867
Mombasa, a historically significant port in East Africa, was bustling with activity. It was the only port in the region that rivaled Dar es Salaam in terms of importance. Originally built by the Arabs in the 11th century, Mombasa was now undergoing significant infrastructure improvements under the administration of the East African colonial government, following the signing of the East Sang Treaty.
The weather in Mombasa was typically hot, with a maximum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 22 degrees Celsius. Despite the heat, work at the port continued, with colonial soldiers overseeing the labor of black slaves who were tasked with transporting sand, gravel, and conducting dredging work in the port area. These black slaves, formerly the property of the Sultanate of Zanzibar, had been temporarily requisitioned by the East African colony for the ongoing handover process.
The labor force at the port consisted mainly of Chinese workers and immigrants from the Austrian Empire. To support the transformation of Mombasa's infrastructure, the colonial government even used the cement stored in tanks, which had been shipped from Europe. However, cement was a limited resource, and the demand for it was high, so careful planning was required.
Mitrovic, a Yugoslav farmer from the southern part of the Austrian Empire, had been appointed as a foreman by the Mombasa colonial government to oversee the construction on the pier. Despite his limited education and skills, Mitrovic had attended school for two years and had experience building a church in his hometown. His leadership was crucial in guiding both Chinese and Austrian Empire immigrants in the construction process.
The language barrier between the two groups of workers was a challenge, but they managed with the help of simple German phrases and body language. Immigrants from the Austrian Empire and Chinese workers had some knowledge of German, albeit limited, which allowed them to communicate on a basic level. This language ability also contributed to their improved status as workers within the colony.
The workers in the East African colonies were organized into a hierarchy. Soldiers were the most numerous, followed by workers, while farmers made up the largest group. To become a worker or soldier, one needed to have some knowledge of German, even if it was just a little.
This system resulted in Chinese workers having similar status to immigrants from the Austrian Empire who continued to engage in agriculture. Their wages reflected this advancement, albeit modestly.
The immigrants from the Austrian Empire were not willing to accept unfavorable conditions and demanded their legal rights and benefits. Although they lacked the ability to challenge the colonial government directly, they were not passive and fought for better conditions.
The East African colonial government did not disappoint the immigrants from the Austrian Empire. They received stable wages, which, while small, were significant in the context of the colony. With limited entertainment options in East Africa, there were few opportunities to spend money, and the income was appreciated.
The colonial government introduced an accounting system, and while the money was virtual, immigrants could withdraw their earnings from Hexingen Bank when needed. This system had already been adopted by German mercenaries.
As the day turned into evening, the transformation of Mombasa's port was well underway, making significant progress. Mombasa's port was essential for the transportation of goods in the region, although it was not one of the largest ports in the world. Its efficient repair and expansion were vital to support the growing agricultural industry in the East African colonies.
Mombasa's importance was highlighted by the fact that it was one of the few available ports in Africa. With the ongoing construction of Bagamoyo Port, the East African colonies would soon have access to four excellent ports: Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Tanga, and Mombasa, significantly boosting their transportation capacity. Mombasa, in particular, was poised to become the largest and most crucial port in East Africa, especially after the future opening of the Suez Canal, which would further increase its significance for trade between Europe and Asia.
(End of Chapter 70)