Following the protest by Mahabibo merchants who were evicted from their locations in front of the police station on September 10, a new standoff has emerged between the Mahajanga municipality and the vendors of Tsaralaza in Tsaramandroso. Last Friday, the municipal administration, led by the second deputy to the President of the Special Delegation (PDS), Amina Soalihi, along with her staff and municipal police, demolished illegal structures built on sidewalks and over drainage canals. This sanitation operation extends to the streets of Tsaramandroso, particularly in Tsaralaza and near the ‘White Bridge’ (pont blanc).
“The municipality remains determined to improve and develop the city of Mahajanga and continues its efforts to restore sidewalks and beautify the city. Measures will also be taken against illegal constructions to enforce the law and the urban planning regulations of Mahajanga. We have observed constructions over canals and on public roads, including sidewalks. This is unacceptable. We urge vendors still occupying sidewalks to follow instructions and vacate areas where commerce is prohibited,” warned the second deputy PDS.
Yesterday, merchants protested in front of City Hall to contest the demolition and their eviction. All pavilions and shops in Tsaramandroso, including rice retailers, fruit and vegetable sellers, and cash-point operators, ceased their activities yesterday morning.
“We ask that our facilities not be destroyed or demolished, as they are essential to us. We have occupied this space in front of the Tsaramandroso platform for 20 years. We comply with the sanitation project, but we ask to stay. We are tax-compliant. The 1.5-meter passage for pedestrians is respected. Why can we not occupy our storefront?” the protesters lamented.
The President of the Special Delegation, Guy Dolsain Arvely, met with merchant representatives late yesterday morning. No information has been released regarding the outcome of this meeting. On the sidelines of the eviction, the deputy PDS stated that charcoal trading in Tsaralaza has now been relocated to Antsahabingo. “The canals are clogged with waste. Charcoal sales are prohibited on-site. All charcoal trade in Mahajanga is now moved to Antsahabingo,” declared Amina Soalihi.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-13 06:39:09 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/mahajanga-la-commune-demolit-les.html