Madagascar: SANITATION IN ANTANANARIVO – What evaluation after ten days?

The ten-day deadline given by the President of the Republic to the PDS of Antananarivo to clean up the city ended yesterday. According to Richard Ramanambitana, the set goals have been achieved.

Goal achieved. This is the observation of Richard Ramanambitana, President of the special delegation (PDS) of the Urban Municipality of Antananarivo (CUA), concerning the removal of garbage mountains in the capital in ten days.

The assessment of the last day of the ten-day period given to the new PDS of Antananarivo and his team to remove the garbage is, however, mixed. The piles of waste accumulated for several days at black spots like Andravoahangy and Manjakaray have been completely cleared. However, in some neighborhoods, the garbage bins are still overflowing in the middle of the day and others still spill onto the sidewalk or road.

“We have achieved our goal. We have collected over 90% of the garbage so far. We will reach 100% by the end of the period,” said the PDS of the city of a thousand during an interview yesterday, expressing confidence. “We can be proud of it,” he added. Indeed, during these first ten days at City Hall, the garbage mountains that had invaded the city have been reduced.

Richard Ramanambitana had no choice either. Barely appointed, he was publicly subjected to a results obligation by Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic. The appointment of the new PDS of Antananarivo was announced on March 1, and he officially took office on March 5. However, the day before his official installation, he was given the imperative to remove the garbage in the capital in ten days.

Daily obligation

The presidential instruction was given during the official handover ceremony of garbage trucks and other sanitation equipment, a donation from the Japanese government through its international cooperation agency (JICA). “The increase in the number of trucks for waste collection has greatly helped the Municipal Sanitation Company (SMA) in garbage collection,” admits Richard Ramanambitana in this interview to be published soon.

The PDS adds that the active support of the central government has also boosted sanitation actions to meet the ten-day deadline set by the President of the Republic. The government’s contribution was mainly in the purchase of fuel for garbage trucks.

In addition to the insufficient number of trucks for garbage collection, the lack of financial means to supply them with fuel is the main problem faced by the SMA, one of the main causes of waste accumulation. Faced with urgency, the state has therefore dug into its pockets to stop the uncleanliness in the capital. The budgetary issue of the SMA, stemming from the CUA’s cash flow problems, is not yet resolved. Some now expect the municipality to continue its sanitation efforts.

The PDS Ramanambitana recognizes that the solution lies in increasing the resources available to the SMA. According to him, the central government would be willing to continue its support to the municipality, “within its means.” The sustainable and most appropriate option for the decentralized governing status of the CUA is to replenish its coffers and, consequently, those of the SMA.

According to his explanations, the PDS plans to submit to the municipal council an initiative to encourage the capital’s taxpayers to pay their taxes, especially the Built Property Tax (IFPB). The Garbage Collection Fee (ROME) would be included in the IFPB. A fee that is paid directly to the SMA treasury. At present, the tax collection rate of the CUA, especially for the IFPB, is almost zero compared to the number of taxpayers.

Also, the PDS indicates that education is part of this strategy to encourage residents of Antananarivo to pay their taxes. An education that also raises awareness of sanitation obligations, including compliance with the schedule for taking out household waste. According to the Municipal Hygiene Code, it is from 4 pm to 8 pm. The non-compliance with this provision is the cause of the perpetual saturation of garbage bins, according to officials, which complicates the pace of collection.

After the long period of uncleanliness that flooded the capital, the results of the ten days of sanitation are relatively positive. What can be considered a “feat” today is, however, a daily and basic attribution of municipal authorities. They must maintain the pace, regardless of circumstances and constraints, especially financial ones. In addition to sanitation, there is also an urgent need for road improvements to be made.

Garry Fabrice Ranaivoson