Construction begins on new Mangoky Bridge in Madagascar

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has announced the start of construction for an 878-metre-long bridge over Madagascar’s Mangoky River.

The bridge project aims to improve the transportation of local produce, reduce traffic congestion, and shorten travel times (Photo: AdobeStock)

For the bridge’s construction, a financial package of US$20 million in concessional loans has been earmarked by the SFD, complemented by contributions from the Arab Coordination Group and Madagascar’s governmental sources.

The bridge project aims to improve transportation of local produce, reduce traffic congestion, shorten travel times, and enhance accessibility to Madagascar’s attractions.

Jacques Ulrich Andriantiana, Madagascar’s Minister of Public Works, confirmed that the Mangoky River Bridge, now made possible through the SFD’s financial assistance, is a significant addition to the nation’s commercial infrastructure.

In correspondence with SFD’s efforts towards global sustainable progress, Mohammed Alshammari, the entity’s Director for African Operations, expressed, “Establishing the Mangoky Bridge is in full harmony with SFD’s mission to foster enduring progress in emerging economies across the world.”

He further added, “The bridge stands to ameliorate connectivity between pivotal regions within Madagascar, fostering socioeconomic advancement and propelling critical sectors like tourism.

“The endeavor reflects our shared principles of collaboration, coordination, and enduring development, underscoring the fruitful bond of progress between SFD and Madagascar, which has thrived for a span exceeding 47 years.”

In Madagascar, the SFD has funded six development projects in the last four decades.