Street food vendors and merchants occupying the Filaos space, located near the Central Bank of Madagascar by the seaside in Mahajanga-Be, staged a protest late last week. They displayed a banner to contest their eviction from the site.
Following the completion of rehabilitation works at the Filaos space a few months ago, the municipality decided to implement a new management system for the area, which is used for selling skewers, beverages, and hosting games. The commune had granted temporary authorization for commercial activities at the Filaos space starting July 8, following a meeting between the two parties on May 3.
However, the commune issued an eviction notice targeting the majority of occupants due to failure to honor commitments and failure to regularize their status, particularly regarding the payment of taxes.
“The commune gave you a week to regularize your situation, which you failed to do. The observed infractions include: failure to complete all required rental documents, non-payment of rent owed to the Mahajanga commune, as well as failure to comply with cleanliness and maintenance rules and disregard for the commune’s organizational guidelines,” stated the eviction notice signed by the second vice-president of the special delegation.
“We are at fault and we beg for your forgiveness. We want to stay here because it is our livelihood. Where will we go?” the protesters cried out.
In response, the municipality hardened its stance, refusing any negotiation. The president of the special delegation stated, “The city’s interest is the only priority. If they had paid their debts on time, they would have had every right to continue using the space. The municipal administration is currently reorganizing the city, and there is no room for mismanagement.”
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-04 06:23:46 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/commerce-mahajanga-la-mairie-reamenage.html
