Mahajanga municipality clears drainage channels to prevent flooding

The Mahajanga municipality in Madagascar has completed the cleaning and sanitation of water evacuation infrastructure across 26 fokontany, which are local neighborhoods.

This maintenance work follows the arrival of the rainy season, which brought heavy rainfall and lightning to the city on Monday evening. The intense storm caused water to stagnate and flood several vulnerable areas, including Marovato Abattoir, Mahavoky Avaratra, Mahavoky Atsimo, and Tsararano Ambany. Residents in flooded areas reported that water entered their homes, reaching under furniture.

While some inhabitants called for more urgent cleaning of waste-blocked channels to prevent further damage during future storms, local officials stated that the recent maintenance helped water recede quickly in many spots. The municipality also designated community houses to provide safety for residents whose homes are flooded in low-lying neighborhoods. The city manages a drainage network totaling 40 km of infrastructure, consisting of large canals, half-moon gutters, and earthen channels.

While much of the system was cleaned, some areas still face challenges. Flooding occurred near Lycée Philibert Tsiranana and the road connecting the Croix-Rouge to the town hall, where some vehicles stalled in the water. Officials noted that certain sectors still require significant development work to improve water flow.