Akon blamed COVID for a lack of progress on construction — but said great strides have been taken on the paperwork side of things.
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Akon caused a splash when he announced plans to build a futuristic metropolis called Akon City back in 2018.
But years later, building work is yet to begin.
In a new interview with DJ Vlad, the R&B star has insisted that the first phase of his ambitious project in Senegal is on track to open in 2026.
Akon blamed COVID for a lack of progress on construction — but said great strides have been taken on the paperwork side of things.
He's claimed building work is due to begin next year — and the city will boast shops, a 10,000-bed hospital, living space, a luxury hotel, and boating docks.
The project had a proposed budget of $6 billion — a mere 30% less than the budget Senegal had in the whole of 2020.
Last year, visions of twisting skyscrapers, cutting-edge solar power plants and businesses where consumers use a dedicated cryptocurrency were beginning to look a little far-fetched for some of those who live nearby.
Jules Thiamane, a local who works in the tourism industry, told the AFP news agency at the time:
"They laid the foundation stone with a lot of speeches and promises. Compared to everything that was announced, I don't think we have seen much yet … What is shared in the village at the moment is the beginning of disappointment."
