The degradation of National Road 6 (RN6) is lengthening travel times and delaying the transport of agricultural products in the Sofia region. Bushfires are also threatening pastures and harvests.
Residents of the Sofia region are facing two major problems: the deterioration of National Road 6 (RN6) and the spread of bushfires. These phenomena hinder travel, delay the delivery of agricultural goods, and threaten the livelihoods of the population in a region known for its rice production and livestock farming.
Spanning 260 kilometers, the RN6 connects Ambondromamy to Antsohihy, passing through the districts of Mampikony, Port-Bergé, and Antsohihy. Due to its poor condition, the journey, which previously took about 5 hours, now requires up to 9 hours.
“For many years, no one has taken care of this national road that passes through our area. Yet, these districts are among the rice granaries of the Northwest,” laments Fortunah Justin Rabetoky, a farmer and breeder in Antsohihy. He calls on the authorities to quickly address the rehabilitation of the RN6.
At the same time, bushfires continue to rage in several localities of the region. Fires are reported as far as 18 kilometers from the city center, particularly in the Befotaka fokontany, where they frequently occur starting at 7 p.m.
According to Tsimanahy Roberta, a local resident, these fires are lit in the hope of encouraging the regrowth of grass for cattle feed while waiting for the return of the rains. However, this practice poses risks to the environment. It could also compromise the conditions for the return of rainfall and affect harvests.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-16 05:54:24 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/antsohihy-letat-des-routes-et-les-feux.html