Gazing up at the impressive Postel Tower 2001, you can’t help but notice its sharp, modern lines standing proudly along Jessie Owens Street. Imagine it’s the 1980s. The Plateau district is buzzing with ambition, and this sleek skyscraper’s silhouette is fresh on the skyline, rising more than 105 meters high-taller than most birds dare to fly in central Abidjan! Built in 1984, Postel 2001 was one of the last grand office towers dreamed up by the Ivorian government. For years, the building’s halls echoed with the footsteps of ministers and busy officials. Four ministries packed their offices in here-Economy, Transport, Artisans and Small Enterprises, and Post and ICT. Who knew the elevator was such a hotspot for government secrets?
Here’s a fun twist: people often mix up the tower’s name, calling it Postel 2000 instead of 2001. Why? Apparently, "2000" was the trendy number back then-this tower just wanted to be unique. But even the strongest giants have their troubles. After some years, neglected maintenance and a suspicious vanishing act of repair funds left Postel 2001 a little worse for wear. By 2013, the government declared it unsafe, and offices began emptying out. To bring it back to glory, a hefty 14 billion CFA francs will need to be invested. Stand by for a comeback-let’s hope 2001 is luckier than 2000.
