Airport project criticized for lack of viability

Departmental councilor Hélène Pollozec is expressing doubts about the financial feasibility of the proposed new airport platform at Bouyouni, urging officials to reevaluate the plan to transfer the Petite-Terre airport to Grande-Terre. She is holding the state responsible for the challenges facing the so-called "Refoundation of Mayotte" initiative, which has reportedly slowed down since the Chido cyclone.

Lack of transparency fuels public skepticism

Pollozec points out that discussions about the "Refoundation of Mayotte" are frequently conducted behind closed doors, with limited public access. Only a small number of elected officials share updates through social media, which has led to growing public doubt about the credibility of the initiative.

Strategic meeting highlights quiet acceptance

The economic future of Petite-Terre, particularly after the current airport is replaced by the Bouyouni platform, was addressed in a strategic meeting chaired by the prefect of Mayotte, Frédéric Poisot, in Pamandzi. Local elected officials largely remained quiet, accepting the state's position in exchange for vague promises of potential investments in the communes of Dzaoudzi-Labattoir and Pamandzi.

Criticisms of the Bouyouni project grow

Pollozec, who operates independently within the Assembly of Mayotte, has been a vocal critic of the Bouyouni airport project, calling it a "fairy tale" presented to Mahoran voters. She notes that the project has been linked to upcoming elections in 2027 and 2028 and admits she previously wavered on the economic requalification of Petite-Terre due to uncertainty.

Officials show mixed responses to the crisis

Pollozec is concerned about what she describes as the infantilization of Mahoran officials, especially in light of the recent high school protests in Mayotte. Most officials from Petite-Terre have taken a resigned stance, with the exception of Senator Saïd Omar Oili. One elected official from Grande-Terre, however, has been outspoken in challenging the government's position.

Funding concerns cast doubt on project timeline

In a recent podcast, Pollozec stated that regardless of budget or special law scenarios, the necessary funds for the Bouyouni airport project are not currently available. She is worried that construction will not begin in 2027 and is questioning whether the next government will commit to the same priorities. She is requesting updated cost estimates, funding sources, and a timeline for mobilizing resources for the airport transfer from Pamandzi to Bouyouni.