The Malagasy village of Ambohidava faces disruption as plans for a new two-lane toll road threaten to displace its 500 residents, including 70-year-old farmer Neny Fara, whose rice and pineapple fields are in the road’s path. The highway aims to connect Antananarivo with Toamasina, promising economic benefits but raising concerns over inadequate compensation and environmental impact. While the project is expected to cut travel times significantly and boost trade, locals fear losing their ancestral land. The new government, following a coup, vows to continue the $1 billion initiative, with a portion of funding sourced from external banks.
