The return of power cuts and rising insecurity are fueling social tension. As the low-water season barely begins, the first signs of public discontent are already emerging.
Power outages in some areas of the Antananarivo Interconnected Network (RIA) are lasting three hours or more. Jirama, the national utility company, attributes these interruptions to a breakdown of the TAC 1 unit at the Ambohimanambola thermal power plant. This failure comes at a critical time as hydroelectric production declines.
Although the state imported diesel to support thermal plants for the next six months, equipment failures are undermining these efforts. A Jirama source noted that aging equipment is being pushed to its limits, causing frequent breakdowns. Meanwhile, residents in areas like Anosiala have begun protesting by blocking roads.
Beyond electricity, the availability of drinking water is becoming a major concern. While infrastructure projects are underway in cities like Antananarivo, their acceleration is deemed necessary to avoid shortages during the peak of the dry season.
These issues carry significant political weight, as similar crises previously triggered widespread unrest. Furthermore, these tensions are compounded by a surge in violent crime, including recent murders in Ambohimanga and Antohamadinika, as well as the financial burden on families ahead of the new school year.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-29 05:53:58 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/insecurite-delestage-etiage-la.html