Rédaction Africa Links 24 with lexpress
Published on 2024-03-16 02:46:00
After a baptism of fire that involved removing garbage in ten days, the new president of the special delegation of Antananarivo (PDS) presents his priorities. Richard Ramanambitana notably reveals an ambition to run for the mayorship of the capital through the power’s colors. His results over the next seven months will be crucial for his future in politics.
L’Express de Madagascar: In a few words, who is Richard Ramanambitana?
Richard Ramanambitana: Married, father, and grandfather, I am 54 years old. I am an economist by training. I am not new to managing the affairs of the urban municipality of Antananarivo. I was already the general director of social affairs at the urban municipality of Antananarivo (CUA) in 2007. Recently, in 2020, I was the director of relations with institutions, appointed by the former mayor Naina Andriantsitohaina, who is currently a minister.
What about politically?
Before my appointment as PDS, I was a senator of Madagascar starting in 2021. I have also been known as a teacher and leader of a higher institute. I teach strategic marketing and communication. Since 2018, I have been the national president of the association IFI or “Isika fikambanana miara-dia amin’i Andry Rajoelina.” It brings together different entities outside the party “Tanora Malagasy vonona” (TGV), which supports the President. I have also been a coordinator, twice, of the President’s campaign headquarters.
Part of the public is curious to know, what motivated you to leave the tranquility of the Senate for the furnace that is the CUA, both technically and politically?
As I mentioned, I am not new. I already have experience, whether in municipal affairs or politics. Being a member of a political structure, when the leader gives a directive, my role is to ensure that it is implemented. Realize their vision, fulfill the mission entrusted to me. In the Senate, it was mostly a political mission. As a designated senator, I believe I have fulfilled my role in supporting the President politically, but also as a liaison and interlocutor of the Decentralized Territorial Communities (CTDs).
Currently, I have been designated PDS. This is a new mission that I have accepted. It is also an opportunity to leverage and share my experience in the strategic management of a big city. Certainly, it will not be easy. But no difficulty is insurmountable when you have the will and conviction to succeed. It is also a team effort. I recognize that I cannot do it alone. Open collaboration and synergy with all leaders are necessary.
So, you were called to fulfill a mission, but you did not apply to be PDS?
As I mentioned, I was appointed to this position. That being said, I am here to carry out a mission. The mission the President assigned to me is to work for the well-being of the people of Antananarivo. This involves sanitation, but also beautifying the city. Certainly, it is a designation, but I have accepted this mission with pleasure and with the firm conviction that I will succeed.
The legal provisions regarding special delegations have been modified. Now, the PDS can run for municipal elections. Being the power’s candidate in the upcoming elections in Antananarivo would be part of the mission entrusted to you?
My view on this question is simple. If the PDS succeeds in completing its mission and achieves tangible results, it is conceivable that it could be the power’s candidate in the municipal elections in Antananarivo. Otherwise, it is clear that there is no chance for the PDS to be a candidate. Nonetheless, I accept the challenge. I will succeed. I will manage to restore Antananarivo’s reputation with the help of its inhabitants.
Why did you accept this position? As you say, if you succeed, it will be an excellent launch pad. But on the contrary, it could sound the death knell for your political career.
As I mentioned, I accepted this mission with the conviction to succeed. This implies having a good action strategy to achieve it. I also accepted to demonstrate that I am ready to take on the management of the city’s affairs in the short or long term. If I can do it in a few months, why wouldn’t I be able to do it in five years?
The recovery of the situation could involve unpopular but necessary actions. How will you manage the technical imperatives and political sensitivities of the population, especially since elections are looming?
(…) Regardless of political differences, the most important thing is the fight against poverty, uncleanliness, and other priorities. If the PDS of Antananarivo manages to succeed on these fronts, I believe that it can rely on the fact that Antananarivo’s inhabitants will trust it to continue the work. That is why it is a huge challenge. It will be necessary to consider political stakes while engaging in the necessary actions for the city to be worthy of its status as the capital and showcase of Madagascar.
What are your priorities then?
Firstly, the sanitation of the city, especially the efficiency of garbage collection. This is also a challenge set by the President. The use of vehicles and equipment provided by the Japanese government has led to a good start. Good leadership and discipline at all levels are also necessary. The second point is the rehabilitation of roads. This is also an urgent dossier. And a complementary dossier with sanitation.
The third priority is the organization of markets. The capital has around thirty large markets. They contribute significantly to the city’s revenues. It is essential to optimize municipal revenues by strengthening coordination with the leaders of different markets and encouraging cooperation among traders. The last point concerns improving relations between the municipality’s leaders and its employees. The goal is to strengthen the motivation of our collaborators within the municipal administration.
The aim is ultimately to restore Antananarivo to its former glory as quickly as possible. In a few months, Antananarivo will once again be a city where it is good to live, a modern city. We spare no effort and we intend to involve all the resources at our disposal, including human resources. As an example of sanitation. We were able to meet the challenge of removing the accumulating garbage in ten days.
The general cleaning operation, organized in the six districts of the city [yesterday], aims to involve all stakeholders in this quest to restore the reputation of the capital. The motto of the special delegation that I chair being “Antananarivo, one heart”, or “Iarivo, one heart”. It is also the start of a new way of doing things. The general cleaning will take place once a month, at least.
Regarding sanitation. The ten-day challenge is over. What will be the long-term city cleaning like?
First of all, I would like to thank the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister for their support in achieving this ten-day challenge. In addition to the provision of equipment, there was also financial support from the State, especially for the purchase of fuel. Obviously, we are looking at the long term. Technically, we will capitalize on the methodology applied during these ten days. Strong leadership, discipline, but also good communication and civic education are necessary.
For example, we were able to enforce articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Municipal Hygiene Code. Such as the permitted time range from 4-8 p.m. for garbage disposal. Only household waste can be thrown into the trash cans.
Other types of waste require permission. With the new trucks and equipment, we now have the necessary equipment to clean the city.
What about financial resources?
Now, in terms of financial resources, we first plan to optimize all sources of municipal revenue. The idea is to increase the tax collection rate, such as the Property Tax on Built Property (PTBP). The situation is dire. In 2021, the tax collection rate for the capital’s treasury was 13.9%. In 2022, it is only 0.07%, almost nil.
Following the sanitation operation, we will implement a strategy to mobilize and encourage taxpayers to pay their taxes. Without income, the municipal administration cannot function properly. For sanitation, for example, there is the Household Waste Levy or HWL and other levies that go directly to the Municipal Hygiene Society (MHS). They contribute significantly to the budget required for garbage collection. There are also subsidies from the municipality, depending on the resources available.
So, do you plan to lower the amount of PTBP?
Indeed. And it will be necessary to encourage taxpayers to pay. This will also be a challenge for the special delegation of the city of Antananarivo. A financial strategy for this purpose will be finalized soon to be presented to the municipal council. It will consist, in particular, of a reduction in the tax rate. Just provide for a kind of transitional period during April and May. The time to inform and mobilize residents. The goal is for taxpayers to pay their taxes and for the municipality to have sufficient funds to work.
Still in the sanitation area. There is the issue of managing water drainage during each rainy season. Demolition would be the solution. If it came to that, would the special delegation of the city dare to give the order?
In managing the affairs of the municipality, the special delegation will first prioritize civic education. Exchanges, explanations, mutual education between officials and residents are necessary. Citizens must know and be convinced that decisions taken and actions undertaken are in the general interest and in compliance with the law or its application. Technical and legal explanations will be systematically provided before any decision or action.
For cases of obstruction of public roads or damage to public property, for example, support measures or
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