For several days, there has been a growing issue regarding the coexistence of entertainment zones and traffic flow along the Mahajanga seaside.
Regulating vehicle traffic around nightlife and leisure areas has proven very difficult. High attendance is observed every evening, quickly leading to the saturation of pedestrian spaces and roads along Boulevard Poincaré.
Since last week, additional slides, inflatable structures, and trampolines have been installed in the middle of the boulevard’s two lanes, between utility poles. Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, pirate ships, and bumper cars already occupy streets closed to traffic, as in previous years. The coexistence between leisure zones and car traffic is difficult, with vehicles sometimes passing less than a meter away from play areas, creating a risk of serious accidents.
The problem is particularly acute where large transparent inflatable bubbles, filled with small balls for toddlers, are set up opposite the Banky Foiben’i Madagasikara (Central Bank of Madagascar) headquarters. This location is poorly chosen. This play area should be surrounded by open space rather than opening directly onto the public road. “Children emerge directly onto the public road when exiting the transparent inflatable bubble. It is inconceivable. Safety is almost non-existent for these children,” noted one parent.
Furthermore, municipal authorities are struggling to manage vehicle and motorcycle traffic. The absence of municipal police officers encourages chaotic parking, which severely disrupts traffic.
From the Grand Baobab to the Enem headquarters, traffic has become particularly disorderly. A few national and municipal police officers attempted to restore order on Saturday evening. Better traffic regulation and strengthened security measures are needed to support the high tourist influx in the area.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-28 05:38:33 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/bord-de-mer-mahajanga-laffluence-vers.html