Despite awareness campaigns conducted by authorities over several weeks, the number of homeless people remains high in several neighborhoods of Antananarivo. Areas such as Ambohijatovo, Akadifotsy, the Rocade, bus shelters, Anosibe, Anosy, Behoririka, Analakely, and Ampefiloha are among the locations where their presence remains particularly visible.
The reasons driving these individuals to live on the streets are multifaceted. Some are deprived of housing, while others spend the night there due to their professional activities, particularly vendors who start work early in the morning. Others choose to settle near dumpsites to collect recyclable materials.
In response to this situation, the Urban Commune of Antananarivo (CUA), the Ministry of Population, and the Regional Directorate of Population are continuing field visits. Teams are meeting with homeless individuals to inform them about accommodation options in shelters and to raise awareness about hygiene rules.
The Madcap shelter currently houses nearly 460 people. As its capacity is limited, some beneficiaries have been directed to the SEBA center. Residents receive accommodation, medical consultations, hygiene awareness sessions, and occasional meal distributions.
Simultaneously, social surveys have been conducted among those hosted at Madcap to better understand their situations and needs. According to Tina Heriniaina Andrianavalomanampy, Director of Social Affairs, the results will be used to define more adapted support measures starting next week.
However, the main difficulty remains reintegration. “They are accustomed to this life; it is very difficult for them to leave it,” the official explains. Added to this reality is the limited number of places available in shelters, which hinders the care of all people living on the streets.
Authorities plan to continue awareness campaigns and improve existing mechanisms to encourage more homeless people to join shelters adapted to their situations.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-04 06:09:25 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/antananarivo-les-sans-abri-continuent.html