Ten months after the Andranotapahana-Ivato expressway was commissioned, the rice fields bordering the road axis are facing immense land pressure, with land acquisitions, backfilling, and commercial projects transforming the landscape.
The rush for land along the capital’s new expressways continues. Since they opened to traffic ten months ago, the agricultural plots located near the Andranotapahana-Ivato axis have been attracting numerous buyers.
For many rice field owners, the sale appears to be an opportunity too good to refuse.
“Farmers often accept the offers made to them because the amounts proposed are significant compared to the income they could derive from their agricultural land,” explains Hanta, a local land broker.
According to her, the best-located plots, directly along the road in Andoharano, can fetch between 300,000 and 500,000 ariary per square meter. These prices remain out of reach for many private individuals but are attracting investors looking for strategic locations.
Behind this rise in demand, a real economic chain has emerged. Brokers play a key role in connecting owners with buyers. Some of them can even earn commissions higher than the income the owners hoped to obtain from their rice fields.
The acquired land is then filled in to host various activities: warehouses, shops, garages, or other commercial facilities. Along the expressway, buildings are thus gradually replacing agricultural spaces.
“Several Chinese dealerships are among the new investors present in the filled-in areas. Their community is growing and the demand for land continues,” asserts Hanta, who indicates that she works regularly with these new buyers.
However, this rapid transformation raises questions about the evolution of land use around major roads, balancing economic development, real estate speculation, and the preservation of agricultural zones.
Hasina Giovanni
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-22 07:00:56 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/amenagement-du-territoire-les-remblais.html