Cable car fiasco highlights Madagascar's transport troubles
A troubled cable car project in Antananarivo has become a symbol of Madagascar's difficulties in modernising its transport system.
In August last year, Antananarivo witnessed the opening of a cable car system, intended to alleviate the city's notorious traffic congestion. The 8.7 km line was projected to accommodate 40,000 daily passengers, promising swifter commutes for the city's long-suffering residents. However, the ambitious project quickly became a symbol of President Andry Rajoelina's lavish spending priorities.
Within a month of regular operations, the cable car was targeted by protesters, and it ceased functioning entirely by early October. The project's flaws were widely acknowledged, with experts arguing that it was primarily a political move by Rajoelina rather than a solution to Malagasy transport needs.
Despite the cable car's failure, the need for improved public transport in Antananarivo remains evident. French-built and funded, the failed system was criticized for its high ticket prices, which were six times more expensive than typical minibus fares. Moreover, the lack of reliable power supply led to limited operating hours, further tarnishing the project's reputation.
The future of the cable car remains uncertain, with the French construction company Colas declining to comment on any potential timetable for resuming operations. The new government expressed optimism about restarting the line by the end of the year, but the roadblocks to recovery are significant. Repairing the damaged equipment will require funding, and resolving political concerns surrounding the project's restart could prove challenging.
Meanwhile, other transport schemes in Madagascar show more promising results. In April, the World Bank provided a $200 million financing package for transport infrastructure in the country, with a focus on rehabilitating the Tananarive-Côte Est railway. This railway, originally constructed by the French in 1913, has struggled with declining traffic since 2011.
The RN2 highway, which often serves as an alternative route for freight, bears the brunt of heavy goods traffic and experiences frequent congestion due to its steep, challenging terrain.
Addressing Madagascar's transport challenges will be a long-term endeavor, given the island's vast distances and rugged terrain. Nevertheless, recent improvements to road networks have yielded some positive outcomes, such as a decrease in travel time between Antananarivo and Toamasina and between the capital and Mahajanga. As Madagascar seeks to modernize its transportation systems, international support and innovative solutions will be crucial in overcoming the hurdles that lie ahead.
Written by urgent.news from Africa Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
