TCTF collective calls for tax revision

The TCTF collective announced new mobilization efforts on Sunday, October 18, in response to a significant increase in local taxes in Mamoudzou. The group seeks a revision of property tax rates, which nearly doubled in 2026, with built properties now taxed at 17.93% compared to 9.17% previously.

Tax increase expected to generate revenue

The property tax increase is projected to bring in an additional six million euros for the commune. Built properties saw a 95.5% rise in their tax rate, while unbuilt properties faced a smaller but still notable increase from 4.23% to 8.27%.

Meeting with mayor fails to reach agreement

The TCTF collective requested a meeting with the mayor, Ambdilwahedou Soumaïla, to discuss the tax increases. However, the mayor and municipal officials did not reach an agreement during the meeting. The city hall explains the tax hike as necessary to fund reconstruction after the cyclone Chido, which caused over 91.7 million euros in damage to infrastructure.

Reconstruction efforts strain finances

The city hall says insurance compensation for the damage is limited to 12 million euros, with eight million already received. State aid is delayed and covers only 80% of eligible operations. To continue reconstruction, the commune has taken out loans, reduced officials' allowances by 10%, and implemented cost-cutting measures.

Mayor attributes tax increase to cyclone

In a communiqué, the mayor stated that the tax increase would not have occurred without the damage from cyclone Chido. He committed to reducing the rates starting in 2029. However, the TCTF collective claims the mayor did not allow for any negotiation on the new rates and avoided addressing concerns about financial management and hiring freezes.

Financial challenges extend beyond cyclone

The TCTF collective argues that Mamoudzou's financial struggles are not solely due to the cyclone, pointing to a 53 million euro deficit at the end of 2025. This matches the commune’s outstanding debt of 53.86 million euros. The Regional Audit Chamber had previously noted a corrected deficit of 11.87 million euros for the fiscal year 2024.

Residents face added burden

The TCTF collective highlights that many residents in Mamoudzou are still recovering from the cyclone’s effects, with some living under tarps and not yet having rebuilt their homes. The group plans to continue its mobilization efforts, with a new gathering scheduled for Sunday, October 18, at 3:30 p.m., on Makango Square.