Source: Fortune
Summary
Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, has a cable car system that was meant to alleviate traffic congestion, but it has been largely unused due to high fares and concerns about safety and reliability. The system was built with French loans and cost around $173 million. The average monthly salary in Madagascar is around $72, making the fare of 70-90 U.S. cents per trip unaffordable for many. The system has been criticized for being a luxury item in a country where many residents lack access to basic services like water and electricity.
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The announcement sounds familiar.
Madagascar’s cable car system, touted as a solution to traffic congestion, has become a symbol of the country’s misplaced priorities. The system’s high fares and lack of reliability have made it inaccessible to the majority of the population. The government’s decision to invest in a luxury item like a cable car system while neglecting basic services like water and electricity has been met with criticism. The project’s failure has also raised questions about the role of foreign investment in Africa’s development.
The cable car system’s fate is a reminder that in Africa, money is often more important than convenience. The system’s high fares have made it unaffordable for many, and the lack of basic services like water and electricity has made it a luxury item that few can afford.
Author: Evan Null
