How to regulate traffic in Antananarivo? This is one of the biggest headaches for the new President of the Special Delegation of Antananarivo. There is no doubt that he is driven by the greatest intentions to restore the capital’s former glory. However, his task resembles a Herculean labor. Perhaps he should have been named Rambo-lamanana instead of Ralambomanana, as it takes a Rambo to overcome those resistant to change and order. Fortunately, he has shown he is not the type to easily yield to resistance or intimidation; he has largely succeeded in clearing street vendors, freeing up sidewalks, and somewhat reorganizing the city. In this regard, having ironclad determination is not enough; one must also have the means to match such ambitions. Given the narrowness of the streets, the astronomical number of vehicles, and the general indiscipline and anarchy of road users, there are many parameters to adjust.
Nevertheless, redevelopments can be made to reduce traffic congestion, at least at certain intersections. First, the size of roundabouts should be reduced to provide more space for the roadways, allowing for wider lanes for vehicles. In Ivandry, for example, a portion of the wide sidewalk along the cable car station could be trimmed to allow vehicles heading toward Alarobia to use the right lane directly from the ‘Pharmacie Centrale’. Those coming from Tsarasaotra could do the same by widening the lane before the ‘La City’ roundabout. Similar adjustments could be made at the Sodiama roundabout without causing any harm. Those coming from Masay heading to Alarobia should not have to wait for those heading to Ankorondrano. The street leading up to the Alarobia stadium could easily be widened to four lanes.
These are simple and realistic ideas that can be applied elsewhere, such as the Shell roundabout in Ankadievo, where traffic jams are hellish regardless of the weather. The size of the roundabout forces large trucks to maneuver with extreme precision to pass. Meanwhile, those heading toward Alasora remain stuck from the Elgeco stadium, waiting patiently like ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz.
The By-pass, designed to be an expressway, has become congested. It is particularly worrying because any road widening seems hypothetical given the embankments and new constructions—none of which respect the 12.50m setback on either side of the road—without proceeding with demolitions and compensations. But if we do not act now, if it is not already too late, the By-pass will soon inherit the fate of the ‘Petite Vitesse’ district. Ironically, everything is moving at high speed.
Sylvain Ranjalahy
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-10 07:13:22 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/rambo.html