In Antanamiavotro, located in the Mantaly commune of the Ambilobe district, the launch of cleaning and rehabilitation works for irrigation canals marks the start of an operation awaited for several years. Fifteen kilometers of canals are set to be dredged and restored to enable the irrigation of approximately 6,000 hectares of agricultural land.
In the Lower Mahavavy region, where agriculture and livestock are central to the local economy, this operation represents a new milestone for farmers. Machinery mobilized by the Diana region is now on-site to clean and rehabilitate about fifteen kilometers of irrigation canals. The goal is to gradually restore water flow to agricultural plots and boost production in an area where farming is a primary source of income.
Seven surrounding rural communes are expected to benefit directly from this operation. The local population relies primarily on agriculture and livestock, particularly sugarcane cultivation. Restoring the irrigation network could allow farmers to return to favorable conditions, potentially enabling up to three agricultural cycles per year once water supply is fully restored.
The mobilization of machinery on-site was welcomed with satisfaction by the residents. According to local testimonies, the last major intervention on this canal dates back to the era of President Zafy Albert.
For the inhabitants of Lower Mahavavy, this canal is essential infrastructure for agricultural activity. However, its state of degradation had progressively reduced its efficiency. For several years, water has not circulated properly, forcing farmers to rely on rainfall to work their land.
“This intervention also addresses a prevention issue. Obstructed or severely degraded canals can cause overflows, promote flooding, and worsen damage to roads and surrounding infrastructure,” explains Tombosoa, a village notable.
The official launch of the works took place on-site in the presence of the regional head, Brigadier General Louis Francio Marovavy, as well as several regional officials. Also present was the CEO of the company Génération Ankarana, Isidore Assany, alias Lucas Bobasakoa, who provided support for the project.
On this occasion, the regional head presented this operation as part of the administration’s efforts toward national renewal, specifically to improve basic production conditions and support farmers in increasing their yields.
He also assured that the machinery would not leave the site until the planned works are completed—a detail particularly awaited by the residents, who wish to see this intervention lead to the effective restoration of the network.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-30 05:39:19 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/ambilobe-le-curage-des-canaux-demarre.html