The roads in the capital are deteriorating once again, with potholes multiplying across several major routes and disrupting traffic.
It has been only a year and a half since the renovation of the Pasteur Rabeony Hans street in 2024. Potholes are already reappearing, particularly on a section in Ampandrana, opposite the Vohibola public primary school. “Drivers must avoid these at all costs, as they can damage the transmission,” says Mamitiana R., a motorist who used the road yesterday.
Similar degradation is appearing on the same street near the Betongolo junction. A public works specialist notes that these roads should have undergone periodic maintenance to prevent such issues.
Potholes are causing traffic jams in areas like Andrefan’Ambohijanahary. Taxi driver Andry Rakotozafy explains that he now prefers to take a detour through Fiadanana and Mahamasina to reach Anosy to avoid the slow traffic caused by the road conditions. Despite repeated rehabilitations, the holes in this section keep returning.
The issue persists in Andohan’i Mandroseza, where non-concreted sections continue to degrade. Experts attribute the rapid deterioration of recently renovated roads to hydraulic factors, such as broken water pipes and poor drainage infrastructure.
Other potholes have been reported in Antanimena, Ankadifotsy, near the Behoririka roundabout, Ampasika, and Ampasampito. Users fear these will worsen during the upcoming rainy season. While the Antananarivo Urban Commune (CUA) has set a “zero pothole” goal for major axes, it remains a significant challenge.
According to an internal source at the city hall, a lack of tax revenue is hindering development projects. The collection rate for property taxes (IFPB) in Antananarivo is only 15%. “Without sufficient tax revenue, the municipality can barely cover its operating budget, leaving no funds for investments like road repairs,” the source explained. City officials are urging citizens to pay their taxes, emphasizing that tax revenue is essential for infrastructure, public sanitation, and urban beautification.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-20 06:09:05 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/antananarivo-les-nids-de-poule.html