East African colony.
East Lake Malawi Region.
"Right here. Using the terrain of the riverbed, we can build another row of embankments and let the water flow over this spot. That would both cut off the river water and ensure that water does not go to waste during the dry season, while excess rainwater during the rainy season can flow over the top." Roald pointed at an undulating stretch of riverbed as he spoke to the villagers.
This was an unnamed small river in the upper reaches of the Ruvuma River. Though small, it flowed into the Ruvuma River. The terrain on both banks was exceptionally flat, and the soil was fertile, making it suitable for cultivation.
Starting this year, East African immigrants had begun moving north along the Ruvuma River, establishing settlements one after another on its northern bank.
Filling the blank spaces between the Lower Coastal Region and the East Lake Malawi Region, East Africa's first residential belt distributed along a river was slowly taking shape.
Mtwara, the southern port of East Africa, had also been affected and, rarely, welcomed a small wave of immigrants. Ships docked at Mtwara Port every day.
"Mr. Roald, if we build the village here, we should not encounter flooding, right?" Wasim, the acting village chief, asked Roald.
"I surveyed the terrain here. Combined with the maps drawn by the East African government, there are no particularly elevated areas nearby; it is basically all plain. If the rainfall is heavy during the rainy season, it will only spread evenly across the entire area.
"So long as we handle drainage properly and build more drainage channels and sewers to direct rainy-season water from the village site into the river, there will be no problem," Roald replied.
"If we build the village near the riverbank,