The tonnage limitation on the RNT 59B road is causing concern among sand transporters. This measure could lead to a decrease in supply and an increase in construction costs.
A ministerial decision provisionally limiting the total weight of vehicles traveling on the Temporary National Road (RNT 59B), between the city of Antsiranana and the rural commune of Ramena, has sparked reactions among local transporters. The concern stems from a transmission letter (No. 309) dated September 2, which outlines these restrictions.
To prevent premature degradation of the road and its infrastructure, and pending the official regulatory text defining the maximum authorized weight, provisional measures have been implemented. Sand transporters in Ramena fear this will disrupt supply to Antsiranana, as sand is a vital raw material for construction. A reduction in transported volumes could lead to market tensions.
The Ministry of Public Works emphasizes that the goal is to protect the road from heavy loads that exceed its capacity, which could accelerate the deterioration of the pavement. Meanwhile, transporters and construction professionals fear that the need for more rotations to meet demand will inevitably drive up the price of sand, potentially exceeding the current rate of 30,000 ariary per load.
Discussions are ongoing between stakeholders, though no consensus has been reached. Some transporters have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and market concentration, while others, like Eliazara José Randrianary, question why these measures are being enforced now after years of heavy traffic. As a result, some operators are now looking for alternative supply zones, such as the rural commune of Ambolobozo, located 60 km from Antsiranana.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-15 06:09:04 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/limitation-de-tonnage-le-transport-de.html
