The "Hubbing" of West Africa

Since the hosting of the Organisation of Islamic Conferences in March 2008, Dakar has undergone a face lift which seems designed to make it look more like Abidjan, with flyovers which serve every aesthetic but no decongestion purpose, and massive commercial construction on the Corniche which would tax Dakar residents for a peek at the sea. Was there ever an environmental impact assessment prior to the issuing of those construction licences? (Just me thinking to myself). That's my cynical view of the city, which I have come to appreciate for all its boisterous charm.

A new terminal has been added to the airport - a sort of refurbishment, albeit modernisation and the flights are rolling in as more non-governmental entities are enticed to relocate to Dakar, given the privileges meted out by the government of Senegal. They've learnt real quick that the service sector is the way to go, so real estate prices are rising through the roof as I sometimes wonder how average Senegalese manage to cope with the ever-increasing cost of living.

A hub, it might be becoming, however "who's hub" might be the question to whose answer we might find snippets of sustainability in the current process. I wish Abidjan can regain its lustre, because we need some competition in the "hubbing" of West Africa. If you see what I mean.