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| Antananarivo tram in need of money filed on: 10.11.2005 (10th Nov 2005) The project to operate a tram service in Antananarivo (Madagascar) is in urgent need of money. Four ex-Forchbahn units are already in Madagascar, but the remaining material needed to repair and operate the line is still in Antwerp (including eleven vehicles from Forchbahn and other Swiss railways). 310,000 Euros are needed for the shipment. 100,000 are provided in foreign aid by the Swiss side leaving a shortfall of 210,000 Euros which must be raised by 15th November. If the money is not available by then, all parts and vehicles will be sold for scrap. The project, called TUT (Train Urbain de Tana) plans to revitalise a 30km railway line in the suburbs of Antananarivo serving Soarano-Soanierana, Alarobia-Tanjombato-Andoharanofotsy, Ambohimanambola and industrial parts of the capital. 400,000 Euros in total are budgeted for shipping and 300,000 to fit diesel generators to the trains — needed because the line is not electrified. This alarming news was announced at a press conference on 19th October. The author of this website was unable to find whether any progress was made since then. source:
www.iarivo-town.mg/trainurb.htm
See also: Website opinion: It would be a great shame to see this project fail for the lack of such a small sum of money! The missing 210,000 Euros would maybe not suffice to get the train running. Besides the fitting of the generators, some work would also be required on the track (including the fitting of additional passing loops). But the remaining money could be collected over a greater period of time. Where else can an urban rail project be realised for 700,000 Euros? Far larger sums have been wasted on totally misguided development projects. Here we have a project that is realistic, is realisable and will bring real benefits. The city's major, Patrick Ramiaramana, who is personally a supporter, is one of only three African majors to be among the 65 shortlisted for the 2005 World Major Award. May this be a good omen!
This news item is from the 2005 newslog.
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