Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, is set to revolutionize public transport with the introduction of a state-of-the-art cable car system aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion. The inaugural ride, graced by President Andriy Rajoelina alongside city officials and project contractors, marked a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure development.
Capable of accommodating up to 75,000 passengers daily, the cable cars promise to alleviate the strain on Antananarivo’s infrastructure, which struggles to support its burgeoning population of over 3 million residents.
“This initiative will remove the equivalent of 2,000 cars from the roads daily, resulting in substantial carbon savings and vastly improved mobility,” Gérard Andriamanohisoa, Secretary of State for New Towns and Housing at the Presidency revealed.
Funded by a 152 million Euro loan from France, the project spans a 12-kilometer route and has undergone rigorous safety testing throughout June to ensure passenger security.
“We’ve implemented extensive sensor networks in stations and along the line to preemptively detect any issues and ensure passenger safety. Backup generators are also in place to guarantee uninterrupted service during power outages,” Guillaume Rannaz, technical manager at Poma, the project’s contractor assured.
Despite its potential benefits, the cable car’s nearly one Euro fare has drawn criticism for being six times higher than a bus ticket, pricing out many locals.
“Some residents argue that addressing fundamental issues like electricity and water shortages should have taken precedence over the cable car project,” noted Henry Razafimanantsoa, an Antananarivo resident.
President Rajoelina staunchly defended the initiative, countering criticisms of increased national debt and drawing parallels to iconic global landmarks.
“We must dare to modernize and develop our nation. Critics forget that transformative projects, like the Eiffel Tower in France, were once controversial but now attract millions of visitors,” President Rajoelina said .
What does this mean for Madagascar citizens?
The introduction of the cable car system in Antananarivo holds several potential implications for Madagascar’s citizens:
1. Improved Mobility: Citizens can expect reduced travel times and less congestion on the city’s notoriously crowded roads. This could translate into less stress during daily commutes and more reliable transportation options.
2. Environmental Benefits: With fewer cars on the road, there could be a positive impact on air quality and a reduction in carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner and healthier urban environment.
3. Economic Opportunities: The construction and operation of the cable car system may create job opportunities both directly, through employment in the transportation sector, and indirectly, through increased economic activity and development in the surrounding areas.
4. Social Equity Concerns: The affordability of the cable car fares, which are significantly higher than bus fares, may pose challenges for lower-income residents. Subsidized fares for students and pensioners could mitigate some of these concerns, but broader accessibility issues may remain.
5. Infrastructure Development: The implementation of such a large-scale infrastructure project demonstrates Madagascar’s commitment to modernizing its urban infrastructure. This could potentially attract further investment and development in the future.
6. Government Priorities: The project’s prioritization over other pressing issues, such as water and electricity shortages, has sparked criticism among some residents. The government’s ability to balance infrastructure development with addressing basic needs will be closely watched.
In essence, while the cable car system offers promising benefits like improved transportation and environmental gains, its impact on everyday life and broader socioeconomic dynamics in Antananarivo will depend on how effectively it is implemented and integrated into the city’s infrastructure and society.
The government plans to offer subsidized fares for students and pensioners, aiming to make the system accessible to all demographics upon its full launch in 2025.