Qumma - From Desert to Rose (June 3rd - The CocoWalk)

[Ennedi]

MINI - ANSWER

Beautiful picture! 

PS: Welcome on page 6!

[bat]

Fantastic update, nedalezz! Also a great teaser there!

[Jmouse]

Very nice photo. The houses look as though they're turned different ways (or BATted thatway), but IMO it gives a very natural look to the neighborhood.

Until next time...
Joan

[nedalezz]

UPDATE TWELVE
FURSAN DEVELOPS

The revenue brought in by the oil refineries and the export of the resource has been felt immediately. The QEC has been able to finance developments in Fursan and begin construction on the Qumma Oil Ministry office in Khaymeh without any foreign aid, namely in the form of Berber Dawa.

What has been especially encouraging is the way the money has been spent; instead of focusing on finding other ways to increase revenue and putting money into that, the QEC has taken ample amounts of its profits and has developed projects whose sole intention is the benefit of Qumman people.

One such project is the Fursan Community Pool, constructed towards the northern end of Fursan. Completed in the 4th Year, the pool has proven to be a great success, and is one of the top gathering spots in the town.  During the weekends, it becomes packed with children and adults alike, both of whom attempt to escape the heat by cooling down in the fresh water. Because no actual beach resorts have been developed, the Fursan Community Pool accommodates those looking for a little less wilderness and perhaps a margarita or two.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The railroad tracks leading from the Khaymeh Oil Refinery to the Fursan Oil Port has become a hotbed of activity, thanks to a new initiative introduced by the QEC in hopes of further expanding its industrial sector.  It has putting aside land to be given for free to any company or persons looking to develop the land for industrial purposes. In addition to that, in the middle of the said land, the QEC has also constructed a freight station, and has also allowed the usage of the Fursan Oil Port for small cargo and import/export activity.

This initiative has propelled several small industrial buildings to prop up next to the freight station, with almost all being warehouses. As Fursan grows, so does its commercial activities and its demand for consumer products, manufacturing products, etc, and the first thing all these products need once they get into Qumma is a place to be stored.  Since the freight station is the only stop, excluding the oil refineries, on the tracks, transportation costs are at a minimum since the warehouses are right next to the station. That is, of course, in addition to the fact that the land was leased for free to those willing to develop it.  The leased land in Fursan South Industrial Area has almost all been given away, and there is currently no plans by the QEC to add any additional land for free lease.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It hasn't only been industrial activity that has developed alongside the tracks; commercial buildings have also popped up. Next to the Fursan Power Plant, of which the tracks run right alongside of, 3 different companies have opened their doors for business.

The largest of the 3 companies is F.O.E.S. Construction Ltd., a real estate development and construction institute, and the first registered company in that field in Qumma.  The QEC gave FOES the contract for the construction of the freight station in the South Industrial Area, and it was also responsible for designing, developing, and constructing the Fursan Community Pool. It is also the largest private company in Qumma, and its current projects include designing Berber Dawa his new palace.

One thing Fursanis love is socializing, so any business that caters to that need is bound to do well in the city. The Burjuweh Inn & Restaurant's is the main example of such success stories, and the Royal Oak Pub & Inn is hoping to emulate what Garhood Burjuweh has done. The Royal Oak is owned by an English expatriate, Ben Jackson, and he has built the building using British-inspired architecture, with wood walls and a wooden roof. Berber Dawa was said to be delighted at the opening of the Royal Oak, stating that introduction of many cultures in Qumma is good for the wellbeing of the people.


The last business we are highlighting a furniture showroom called Interiors Furniture. With the influx of incoming residents, Fursani native Khalil Khloman decided to create an outlet for the new arrivals where they could buy their furniture.  The only problem Khloman had was finding a way to get his containers into Fursan without costing too much. Previously, the only way he could do that was ship to Western Sahara and rent trucks to come in to Fursan with the goods, a very costly method. However, ever since the QEC passed the law allowing small shipments and containers to use the Fursan Oil Port, Khloman has been in 7th heaven. His showroom cost approximately $300,000 to construct, but he is now averaging daily sales of almost $2,000, almost half of which is profit.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the 4th Year draws to a close, Fursan's population is now over 17,000, and the total population of Qumma just under 19,000.  Development has not slowed down one bit; instead, it continues to rise significantly. The QOM is on the verge of completing its new offices in Khaymeh, and starting to draw blueprints for a 2nd office just outside the Fursan Oil Port.  Meanwhile, the QEC is looking to develop its industrial and commercial sectors, and is hoping for more foreign investment.

Berber Dawa is looking at continuing to develop the oil empire he has started in Qumma, but he wants to make sure that the QEC can become self-sufficient and sustain the projects it has put forth before pouring any more money in the land. 

[rooker1]

Wow, another super update.  I really like the over all feel of this MD. 
The only thing I don't like is the aburpt slope change, you can see in picture five.  It may look better if you could soften that part out.  Like a very long slope over several tiles.  Than, when looking at a picture from that high again, it would give the illusion of a gradual change and with the trees it could become almost invisible.  This is just my humble opinion though.  And whether you change it or not, I will still like this city a lot. 
I do really like how you did the industrial area and running the train line right in the middle.



Robin   

[Jmouse]

Oh, yes, Fursam is really starting to take shape. I have to agree that the slope change is a bit jarring, but if you applied walls, it might improve things. Still, however, love the overall atmosphere of this lovely little city.

Until next time...
Joan

[Ennedi]

I like Fursan more and more...

I agree with Jmouse, this city has a very specific atmosphere
Great work again! 

[thundercrack83]

Another outstanding update, my friend! I do agree with the others that a slope mod may help, with or without, your work is always fantastic! Keep it up!

[bat]

Beautiful new update, nedalezz! Great work on that!

[nedalezz]

REPLIES

Ennedi: Thank you for the amazing compliments! I went to Google Earth myself after your comments, trying to see how realistic my region was, hehe. As for the sub-stations, I looked for them on STEX and got them, and you are right, they are a big help. They make the powerlines even more realistic. As for the white sand beaches, I like the look of them, probably because I love white sands in RL!

rooker1: I see what you are saying about the slope, but I actually intended it for it to be like that. I didnt want it to gently slope, I just wanted it to be get down to the level I wanted it quick, lol. The reason is because when I first started building Fursan, the level of a terrain was a certain level, and I decided I wanted it to be lower. Anyway, the slope will serve as the boundary for what will be the Old Town as Fursan expands Thank you for the constructive criticism and the compliments!

thundercrack83: Thanks! As I mentioned above, the slope was intended to look like that.

Yoman: I would love to use SOMY's oil tanker...problem is I cant find it! And dont worry, sooner or later, farms are bound to start popping up

spot: Thank you for thinking my MD is cool

bat: As always, thank you for the encouraging comments!

Jmouse: Actually, I use photoshop and rotate the picture I take to make the houses look like that, hehe. Its great that I have managed to give Fursan a specific and unique atmosphere for you. Thank you for being one of this MDs' biggest fans!

I have been really busy this past month, but I've tried keeping up with frequent updates, as I didnt want to disappoint after being awarded such a prestigious honour. I hope I can get one last update in before the end of the month, and for now, here is an aerial picture of Fursan:

[Yoman]

Perhaps this could help in your quest for the SOMY tanker - http://members3.jcom.home.ne.jp/somy000/p8.htm

Great overviews also, I can see the entire area starting to blossom. Surprising that none of that oil money went to swiss bank accounts though.

[Pat]

nice mini update here nedalezz and im sorry i havent been around to follow much of the progress here which has been alot and hope to catch some more soon - pat

[Jmouse]

Fursan is really looking good, nedalezz. It makes me want to revisit Africa and look at things in a somewhat different way (with a bit less culture shock, maybe!). Our next visit will be to the Gambia, but in the meanwhile, we'll have the pleasure of hosting a relative (my son-in-law's older brother) who will spend a few months with us early next year.
Keep up the good work. Your MD is unique and quite fascinating.

Until nest time...
Joan

[BigSlark]

Hello nedalezz,

I just caught up with Qumma and this is an outstanding MD. Your story is excellent, photographs well composed, and development interesting. Keep up the good work and I'm looking forward to the next update.

Cheers,
Kevin

[nedalezz]

UPDATE THIRTEEN
KHAYMEH AND THE Q.O.M.

The Qumma Executive Council (QEC) promised the Qumma Oil Ministry(QOM), its first ever subsidiary, that once the oil refineries in Khaymeh and Cevella began operations, it would set aside a budget to construct its very own offices near the Khaymeh Oil Refinery.

A year later, the QEC has made good on its promise, finishing construction of the QOM new offices in Khaymeh at the end of the 4th Year, costing it a total of $400,000, including all the equipment requested.

At first sight, the QOM Main Office looks a bit small, but considering that the 2 functioning oil refineries are also rather small, they are perfect in size. In addition, Qumma is exporting to only 2 countries, Cape Verde Islands and The Gambia, so the workload is not overwhelming. The QOM will maintain its offices in the QEC Administrative Building in Fursan, as well.

As for the town of Khaymeh, it has expanded, and now has a population of approximately 3,500 people. While quite a few are workers at the two oil refineries in the area, a lot of the residents are actually new settlers who are finding that living in Khaymeh is less expensive than moving to the coast and Fursan.

The architecture in Khaymeh and the inlands is significantly different than that of Fursan and the coastal areas due to two main reasons: The coastal areas have traditionally been settled by those of Phoenician (Mediterranean) descent while the inlands are Moorish (Arab/Berber) in descent, making for different architectural styles, and also the temperature and weather conditions vary greatly. Those two reasons are why there is a sharp contrast in the way buildings are constructed.

[Jmouse]

Whoa, Khaymeh does, indeed, have a very different personality, but a nice one just the same! Looking forward to watching more development.

Until next time...
Joan

[bat]

Three very nice new pictures and great update 13!

[rooker1]

KHAYMEH AND THE Q.O.M. look great.  I really love the over all feel.  Everything looks very realsitic.



Robin   

[nedalezz]

REPLIES

Yoman: Thanks for the link. Actually, Berber Dawa is starting to pocket quite a few $$ thanks to the oil revenue, but the QEC has also been pretty good about using the money for development. We'll see how long they can keep it up

patfirefghtr: I hope you've enjoyed the updates you missed, and I hope you'll enjoy the upcoming updates even more!

Jmouse: Thank you. When are you going to The Gambia? Like I mentioned before, alot of my family lives there, and I myself spent 3 years there (91-94), and have visited countless times the past few years. I actually might have a trip there soon, as well!

BigSlark: Thank you, thank you! Other than actually playing the game, my favorite part of SC is developing the story that comes along with the region. In addition, I love messing about with Photoshop, so to integrate all 3 things into one is always fun.

bat: Merci beaucoup! I'll try to have a larger update for Update 14.

rooker1: I try to atleast give it a decent sense of realism when I'm creating the region. I also plan to expand Khaymeh alot...sort of have it as the more Middle-Eastern, deserty city as opposed to Fursan's more Mediterrenean look.

[thundercrack83]

Another fine update, nedalezz! That refinery looks fantastic! Great job!