Chapter 186: The "Third Front" Program
On March 11, 1869, professional cable-laying vessels reappeared in both the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. This was becoming increasingly common as nations and companies recognized the importance of telegraph lines and undertook submarine cable-laying operations.
This time, two cable-laying ships were deployed, one from the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the other from Germany. They began their work in the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, respectively.
The project aimed to lay double telegraph lines, as relying on a single cable for communication between East Africa and Europe was considered too risky. Although plans for double lines had been on Ernst's desk since the initial cable from East Africa to Europe, budget constraints had delayed their implementation.
Now that Ernst's father was traveling to East Africa, reliable communication between them was crucial. To ensure redundancy and reduce the risk of communication failure, Ernst decided to resume the cable-laying project.
Submarine cables were delicate and prone to damage, so laying double lines acted as a form of insurance. If one cable experienced issues, the backup line could maintain communication.
In East Africa, the cable plan extended from Trieste in the Austro-Hungarian Empire to Egypt and then to East Africa. This time, it involved laying double lines to enhance the reliability of communication.
In East Africa, the cable plan was divided into two main lines originating from Mombasa and the First Town, with several branch lines. The Mombasa line passed through Nairobi, Kisumu, and reached the new city of Kampala in the northwest. A branch line extended to the town of Omorat above Lake Turkana. The First Town line, with Dodoma as a transfer station, split into southern and northern lines, ending in Mbeya City and reaching Bujumbura, respectively.
Officials in East Africa discussed the land part of the telegraph line construction plan. While the first town already had telegraph communication, this expansion aimed to connect other regions and enhance communication within the colony.
Utility poles made from local materials would be erected along both sides of the road, and local governments along the way would handle the work within their jurisdictions. The plan aimed to extend the telegraph lines to key regions of East Africa, allowing for faster and more efficient communication.
The "Three Lines" plan covered the main directions of East Africa, except the south, which faced fewer challenges from Portuguese forces. East Africa's expansion efforts were focused on Central and South Africa, and this telegraph network would facilitate communication and coordination.
The plan aimed to connect key areas within East Africa to the central government, enabling Ernst to stay informed about developments across the colony. The plan excluded Mozambique and Somalia due to geographical barriers and low strategic importance.
The construction of utility poles and the preparation of machine rooms began promptly, using local materials and Siemens generators. The "Three Lines" project was a significant investment, but it would greatly improve communication and coordination within East Africa, ensuring the smooth operation of the colony.
As Prince Constantine traveled to East Africa, Ernst took the opportunity to simultaneously complete the land telegraph lines and submarine cables, enhancing communication capabilities between East Africa and Europe.