New RNS57 road opens in Madagascar

Madagascar president Andry Rajoelina has inaugurated the new RNS 57 secondary national road at a ceremony on the island of Nosy Be.

The president said that - with the completion of the RNS 57 road linking Hell-Ville, Fascène and Ambatozavavy - more than 80km of new roads now crisscross Nosy Be, which is off the northwest coast of Madagascar. Following the opening in 2022 of the "Northern Belt" linking Fascène Airport to Andilana, Nosy Be's road network now forms a complete loop connecting the main tourist attractions.

Minister of Public Works Rafidison Richard said that the last major road rehabilitation in Nosy Be dates back to 1984.

The Madagascar government says that, thanks to the PIC (Integrated Growth Poles) project funded in partnership with the World Bank, the new infrastructure meets international standards.

Atou Seck, World Bank resident representative in Madagascar, welcomed the significant investment and said the RNS 57 road is a direct catalyst for economic and social growth.