In the quiet Malagasy village of Ambohidava, a red wooden post marks a significant transformation on the horizon. The tranquil life of its 500 residents could soon be disrupted as plans emerge for a two-lane toll road that will reshape the landscape and economy of Madagascar.
Currently about two hours from the capital, Antananarivo, Ambohidava is set to be traversed by a new highway connecting the capital to Toamasina, the country’s second city and main port. The new road aims to reduce travel times drastically, with government projections suggesting journeys that currently take up to 16 hours will be cut down to just three.
At the heart of this change is Neny Fara, a lifelong resident of Ambohidava. At 70, she has farmed the land since childhood, growing pineapples and rice, nourishing her family, including a son facing mental health challenges. The looming highway threatens her livelihood, as her fields lie directly in its path. Expressing her distress, Neny said, “It hurts me, I feel like I’ve been stabbed in the back,” emphasizing the lack of communication from the authorities regarding compensation for her ancestral land.
With the government’s commitment to offer compensation within a year of the road’s construction, residents like Neny feel uncertain and betrayed. There is a growing concern among villagers regarding the highway’s route as it may disturb ancestral burial grounds, crucial in Malagasy culture, leading to fears of disrespecting the dead.
The road project, initiated by then-President Andriy Rajoelina, continues under the new government following his ousting. Funded with a significant contribution from external sources, including the Arab Bank for Economic Development, the highway is expected to stimulate the economy by tripling activity at Toamasina port and creating jobs. It is also anticipated to improve export capabilities, particularly for Madagascar’s famed vanilla and other products.
One local resident, Reka, who has driven the current slow and congested Route National 2 for nearly a decade, expressed his hopes for the new road, acknowledging the need for safer and quicker transit options to foster economic growth.
While the new highway presents potential economic advancements, it also raises challenging questions of heritage and environmental welfare. There were initial concerns about its impact on Madagascar’s unique biodiversity, but the route has since been modified to avoid pristine forests, instead utilizing areas previously cleared for agricultural use.
The former environment minister, Max Fontaine, echoes the sentiment of growth intertwined with cultural respect. “The highway changes everything. For agriculture, for water, for transport, for everything. This highway will radically change the face of Madagascar,” he stated at the project’s inception.
Amid these heavy discussions, villagers remain resolute. Neny chaired a gathering to articulate their dissatisfaction regarding the road’s proposed path, signaling a community unwilling to quietly accept changes that profoundly impact their way of life.
Madagascar is facing a crucial moment of balancing development with preservation. As construction advances, the peaceful existence cherished by Ambohidava’s residents hangs in the balance, drawing parallels with other nations grappling with similar developmental dilemmas.
With continued dialogues between the government and the community, there’s hope that fair solutions can be reached, ensuring progress does not come at the expense of Madagascar’s rich cultural heritage.