The sanitation and reorganization project for commercial activities in Mahajanga is progressing gradually. Occupants of Ambovoalanana Avenue, located between the City Hall and the Analakely market, have finally been granted a new reprieve before their final departure.
Following a meeting held ten days ago with officials from the Special Delegation of the Mahajanga Commune, traders and regional cooperatives reached an agreement to postpone their relocation. Initially ordered to vacate the premises within 48 hours, the occupants had already secured a first one-week extension. They may now remain on-site temporarily, under certain conditions, while waiting for the designated relocation sites to become operational.
The stakeholders justified their request by citing the unavailability of the infrastructure and locations intended for their resettlement. Representatives of the Ambovoalanana traders have committed to following municipal guidelines during this transition period. The regional transport federation has also accepted the principle of relocation while requesting additional time, as the bus station planned in Aranta is not yet ready.
“The municipality has agreed to let us stay for now. The bus station intended for regional cooperatives is not yet finished. Meanwhile, solar panels are still spread out at Fiofio; we are waiting for them to be removed before traders can occupy that space,” stated the spokesperson for the Ambovoalanana Avenue occupants.
While awaiting their departure, initial changes are already visible. For several days, demolition operations have been underway, and kiosks and pavilions have been pushed back to clear the sidewalks. A two-meter passage must now be reserved for pedestrians. Vehicle parking is also being reorganized; vehicles must now park along the sidewalks rather than across the road to ensure traffic flow.
“Traders came in tears to plead for a postponement of their departure. We accepted, but we will not back down on the city beautification project. I will not tolerate indiscipline. The development of the city of Mahajanga will be achieved, no matter what happens,” asserted the President of the Special Delegation, Guy Dolsain Arvely.
Captured & Published at: 2026-11-04 06:23:46 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/11/mahajanga-le-depart-des-commercants-et.html