Idris Elba’s eco-city dream for Sierra Leone Island
Hollywood star says he wants to ‘change perspectives’ about Africa
Hollywood actor Idris Elba has a big dream for Sierra Leone, the West African nation where his father was born – to regenerate a beautiful island off its coast and turn it into an eco-friendly “smart city”.
According to Britanicca, Sherbro Island is in the Atlantic Ocean off the southwestern coast of Sierra Leone, separated from the African mainland by the Sherbro River (north) and the Sherbro Strait (east). The island has a population of about 30,000 people (as at 2013).
Speaking to the BBC recently about Sherbro Island, the 52-year-old movie star said, “Originally we went there thinking how we could bring tourism to the most incredible 19 miles of beachfront.”
But as the idea was explored, a more innovative plan came into play – to bring in partners and seriously develop the area in a sustainable, eco way. The project now also intends to bring wind-powered renewable electricity for the first time to Sierra Leone.
“It’s a dream, you know, but I work in the make-believe business,” Elba stated.
The actor, best known for his roles in Luther, the Wire and for playing Nelson Mandela, wants to make people believe this can happen – and change perspectives.
“It’s about being self-reliant; it’s about bringing an economy that feeds itself and has growth potential. I’m very keen to reframe the way Africa is viewed… as an aid model. This opportunity is completely different.” he said.
According to the BBC, Elba was brought into the project by his childhood friend Siaka Stevens, the grandson of a former Sierra Leonean president.
The project is to be financed through a public-private partnership, and the island will be designated a special economic zone with a separate legal and economic system from the rest of Sierra Leone.
