The water crisis is reaching worrying proportions in the northern capital, where households are increasingly struggling to meet their daily needs.
With a daily deficit of 13,000 m³ compared to the city’s required consumption, the supply of drinking water has become a major source of concern.
The situation in Antsiranana is deteriorating. In a recent statement, Jirama reported a significant drop in water reserves at the Besokatra-Joffreville source, with levels even lower than those observed over the past two months, directly threatening the water supply for the Diana region’s capital.
Data shows that against a daily requirement of 30,000 m³, Jirama is currently producing only 17,000 m³, resulting in a daily shortfall of 13,000 m³. This production deficit directly impacts household distribution and makes access to drinking water increasingly difficult.
While the region is currently in the dry season, many residents argue that the water shortage is not merely seasonal but has become a permanent reality. Soariziky, a mother from the Morafeno neighborhood, testified that taps often remain dry for days, forcing residents to store water in yellow jerrycans and stay awake late at night to collect it.
Jirama attributes the decline in resources to climate change-related lack of rainfall and forest degradation in the Antsiranana-II district, driven by charcoal production, illegal logging, and bushfires. Additionally, the company notes water diversion for agricultural purposes, specifically for khat plantations near Lake Besokatra, as well as high water consumption by urban car wash stations, which has sparked public concern regarding equitable distribution.
This situation has also led to the rise of informal water vendors, known as “Roagna,” who use pushcarts to supply households throughout the city.
Captured & Published at: 2026-11-03 05:53:49 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/11/antsiranana-la-crise-de-leau-sintensifie.html