A million-dollar question: where are the following streets located? Rue Titsy, Rue Toera, Rue Tsiombikibo, Rue Emile Razafimandimby, and many others. While one might try to find them on Google or in travel guides, many are missing. The city of Antananarivo has made an effort to install street signs with the city hall’s colors—blue background with yellow lettering. While the initiative is commendable, the problem lies in the size: a 20×20 cm square that is barely legible.
One often has to get out of the car to read the names, especially those in Malagasy, such as Rainiandriamampandry. Street names are not chosen by chance; they honor historical figures, serving as a form of open-air museum or a ‘Hall of Fame.’ In other major cities around the world, street signs are prominent and serve as clear historical markers. In Antananarivo, however, these small plaques are easily confused with private security signs from companies like Cops or G4S.
Furthermore, there is a lack of city maps in bus shelters or public spaces to guide residents and tourists. While many street names have been ‘Malagasy-ized’ over time, others remain as remnants of history, such as Rue de la Réunion, Avenue Lénine, or Rue Mohamed V. These names hold a special place in the country’s history, which is all the more reason to display them with greater visibility and pride.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-19 05:38:33 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/petitesse.html