Antananarivo municipality launches construction permit regularization campaign

The Commune urbaine d’Antananarivo (CUA) is increasing inspections to combat illegal construction in the capital of Madagascar.

Officials currently identify approximately 100 infractions every week. The municipality plans to suspend work on unauthorized sites and may seal construction projects if owners refuse to stop. Hery Lala Andriamanalinarisoa, the director of urban planning for the CUA, said the city is specifically targeting buildings constructed over canals. Technicians will assess these sites to see if the canals can be diverted.

If technical experts find that moving the canals is impossible, the municipality will take further necessary actions. During November, the CUA will run a campaign to help owners obtain building permits for structures larger than 150 square meters. Only 20 percent of buildings in Antananarivo currently have these authorizations. The city aims to help owners comply with administrative requirements needed to connect to water and electricity networks.

However, some owners may face issues if their land status is irregular or if the buildings do not meet urban planning standards.