PREFACE

...plateau nearby at a slightly higher altitude (Point G), the Colony's central hospital was to be built. Before leaving Sudan The "French Sudan," a colonial territory in West Africa that roughly corresponds to modern-day Mali., the General had a small house built at Koulouba, a modest marker of the future city.

In 1903, Governor General Roume Ernest Roume (1858–1941), a key figure in the organization of French West Africa., traveling to Timbuktu, visited Point F and Point G; captivated by the magnificent view from the top of these rocky plateaus—true cliffs overlooking the river and the Niger valley—and appreciating the many advantages they offered in terms of ventilation and healthiness, he used his high authority to approve the plans of General de Trentinian. Once free to act, Governor Ponty, assisted by Commander Digue and Captain Lepoivre of the Engineering Corps, set to work immediately. In less than five years, he oversaw the construction at Koulouba of the most beautiful and successful colonial capital to be found in West Africa, including foreign colonies—British or German—as well as French ones.

Having arrived at Kayes on May 10, 1908, when the work was nearly finished, I moved the seat of Government there ten days later.

The hospital at Point G has been under construction since last year and will likely be operational from the first days of 1912.

Pumping machines and water pipes provide for all the requirements of modern hygiene and comfort at these two locations; Bamako-Koulouba and the hospital will be lit by electricity next year. In Koulouba rise the Government House, the Secretary General's residence, and three large buildings housing the Treasury, the Archives, and various offices. All these structures, built in an Hispano-Moorish An architectural style blending North African and Spanish motifs, frequently used by French architects in Africa to provide both aesthetic flair and practical heat management. style that is somewhat heavy but perfectly suited to the climate, form an ensemble that lacks neither harmony nor a certain majesty. Twenty-five houses, smaller but all well-ventilated and provided with large verandas, house the Government printing press and the officials employed in the Colony's central administration. It is also at Koulouba that the head of the Public Works department is established, along with his...