Madagascar: NATIONAL ROADS – Emergency works begin

Infrastructure destroyed by Cyclone Gamane in the North last week has not yet been repaired. Work is scheduled to begin this week.

Users of national roads 6 and 5 must be patient. The roads between Ambanja and Ambilobe, and between Ambilobe and Vohémar, remain impassable. Repair work on the Mahavavy and Ifasy bridges on highway RN6 and the bridge at PK 101 on RN5A is scheduled to begin tomorrow. “Technicians were only able to start the technical studies needed for the work after the water level dropped,” said Henri Jacob Razafindrianarivo, Director General of Public Works at the Ministry of Public Works, yesterday. Temporary solutions will be implemented on these crossings to restore traffic as quickly as possible. “These consist of embankment work, given the length of the closures. We will start with the Mahavavy bridge, then the Ifasy bridge. Work on RN5A has already started since Sunday in Daraina. We will then look at long-term solutions for the reconstruction of these crossings,” continued Henri Jacob Razafindrianarivo.

Decrease

Between Ambilobe and Diégo, and Sambava-Vohémar, traffic has resumed since Saturday. The President has instructed for the rehabilitation work to be completed as soon as possible. Cyclone Gamane destroyed several roads and at least four bridges on RN6 and RN5A last week. While waiting for full restoration of traffic on the North and Northeast axes, transshipment points are maintaining the flow. There are no detours available on the Mahavavy and Ifasy bridges. Passengers must undergo four transshipments between Ambanja and Ambilobe, according to transporters. The transportation fare to Diégo has doubled. “I had prepared 200,000 ariary for the Antananarivo-Diégo trip. Transporters told us that we need 160,000 ariary for the transport tickets, including transshipment fees. I will reserve the remaining 40,000 ariary for lunch,” said a woman who was about to take a taxi-brousse at the Maki Andohatapenaka bus station yesterday. With these transportation conditions, many have canceled their trips. Transport cooperatives to the North have seen a decrease in the number of passengers.

Miangaly Ralitera