On Monday, Sector 7 of the Antanimalandy fokontany was equipped with a new borehole, ending a decade-long water shortage. The project was carried out by the Regional Directorate of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (DREAH) of Boeny and funded by the ministry’s own resources. A local resident donated land to facilitate the installation of this infrastructure for the benefit of the community.
“We haven’t had water for ten years. Residents were drinking muddy water, and others had to travel far at 3 a.m. to fetch some. During the dry season, the water dries up. It is a true miracle to see water flowing again,” said a local resident.
According to reports, the majority of the twenty-six fokontany in the Mahajanga district have been without water for decades. Jirama produces 27,000 m³ of water daily, while demand is estimated at 34,000 m³. To bridge this 7,000 m³ deficit and address population growth, the Drinking Water Access Improvement Project (PAAEP) is implementing a vast modernization program.
High temperatures have persisted for months, and rainfall is scarce, with only one day of rain recorded in October. The heat encourages residents to shower multiple times a day, but many households cannot afford the cost. “The price of water from paid public fountains is very high: 1,000 ariary for two 20-liter yellow jerrycans. We use sixteen jerrycans a day, costing 8,000 ariary for laundry, cooking, and showers for our family of five,” a mother explained.
As part of emergency measures, seven deep boreholes were installed this year in the fokontany of Amborovy, Ambondrona, Manjarisoa, Antanimalandy, Tsaramandroso Ambany, Tsararano, and Ambohimadamina. In the Mahajanga II district, specifically in Belobaka and Boanamaro, four new boreholes are expected to be provisionally accepted by the end of November.
Furthermore, the rehabilitation of solar-powered boreholes and water treatment facilities continues across the five districts. Eleven additional boreholes, part of the PAAEP project in partnership with the Ministry of Water, are scheduled for inauguration by the end of the year. Finally, the construction of nine more wells is planned for 2027.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-30 06:23:57 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/boeny-la-penurie-deau-perdure.html