Madagascar: Gradual return of water supply

Many neighborhoods in Antananarivo are facing water supply difficulties.

On Saturday, some of them began to benefit from a gradual return of water. In Andraisoro, the restoration of water supply is gradual. According to Haritsimba Solonirina Randrianantoanina, deputy chief of the Andraisoro district, the water has returned to normal since Saturday, allowing residents of this neighborhood to regain access to water after three months of shortage. This gradual return of water in this neighborhood was made possible by repairs carried out on the two faulty pumps at the Jirama station in Mandroseza.

According to the deputy chief of the district, “Although the water has returned, the result is not satisfactory. The lower parts of the neighborhood no longer have water supply problems. However, those located higher up still face difficulties. Despite Jirama’s assurances regarding the rehabilitation of the water pipeline in our neighborhood, the problems persist,” noted a resident who points out that the water does not work around noon. It is recommended to draw water or supply from the standpipes either in the morning or evening.

For Hantanirina Rafidison, a resident of Ambohitrarahaba, the best solution is to store water in containers. She explains that her neighborhood is also facing a water shortage. Interruptions are frequent, as was the case last Thursday and Friday. Although water returned on Saturday morning, it was cut off again at 11 o’clock.

Since Sunday, it has been functioning correctly. However, due to low pressure, some households, including that of Hantanirina Rafidison, do not receive water. This type of discomfort occurs when residents at the bottom of the neighborhood use water, as is the case in the Anosizato Atsinanana neighborhood, which faces pressure problems for water supply.

Drilling

Jirama and the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene have taken emergency measures to address the situation. This initiative aims to install one hundred and seventy barrels in neighborhoods where water supply is difficult. At the same time, long-term measures are also being put in place to ensure water supply in Antananarivo. The first part of these measures consists of drilling forty-six new wells in the next fifteen days, a project supervised by the ministry. The second part involves installing five water tanks in the neighborhoods of Alasora, Andoharanofotsy, Iavoloha, Itaosy, Ivato, and Ambohipo. Finally, the third measure involves maintaining the twenty-eight existing water tanks.

Mialisoa Ida