The awareness-raising phase is over, and it is time for sanctions. After years of calls for civic responsibility, the Urban Commune of Antananarivo (CUA) is moving to enforce the penalties outlined in the Municipal Hygiene Code (CMH). Starting Friday, September 4, the municipality announced the effective implementation of fines for infractions related to cleanliness, hygiene, and the occupation of public space. The CMH, adopted in 2013 and amended in 2020, provides for five categories of financial penalties ranging from 5,000 to 5 million Ariary.
For this new phase, the CUA is introducing a “fine book” as provided by the Code. A joint brigade consisting of the Municipal Police and the Department of Water and Sanitation will be mobilized to identify infractions and apply sanctions. Various daily behaviors are targeted, such as failing to respect household waste disposal hours (16:00 to 20:00), which carries a 5,000 Ariary fine. Improper disposal of sludge or solid waste, public urination, or failing to clean up after pets will result in a 50,000 Ariary fine.
Irregular occupation of public space is also strictly regulated. Using public roads for personal purposes, such as setting up a garage or drying products, incurs a 300,000 Ariary fine. Commercial activities are also affected: selling goods outside designated areas or operating unauthorized mobile food stalls can lead to fines of up to 300,000 Ariary. Furthermore, failing to maintain building facades along major avenues can result in a 1 million Ariary penalty.
The CUA emphasizes that these laws apply to everyone, including individuals, merchants, and public space users. The municipality also mandates that all dwellings must have toilets that meet sanitary standards, with non-compliance punishable by a 50,000 Ariary fine. While the procedure includes preliminary warnings for certain categories, the CUA warns that repeat offenses or related infractions may lead to higher penalty categories.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-01 15:38:35 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/incivilites-des-amendes-de-5-000-a-5-millions-dariary-prevues-par-le-code-municipal-dhygiene-a-appliquer-a-partir-de-vendredi-a-antananarivo/