Festive atmosphere: huge traffic jams in the center part of Antananarivo

Many people complain about the existence of traffic jams all around the capital. Last Saturday, for instance, a very dense traffic jam was noticed during the whole day in the center part of Antananarivo. For a taxi cab, it takes generally one hour to ride on such a short distance as from Andohan’Analakely to Soarano.

The main reason for such terrible traffic block is that informal traders are abounding the sidewalks, thus, preventing the flow of the traffic. In Behoririka, many of these informal traders even occupy half of the street. The cars that pass through this road axis are then forced to drive very slowly in order to not crushing them and the passers-by.

Since early last week, two rows of traders have been settling their market stands in Behoririka right on the road where cars pass by. However, in normal times, traders use only the sidewalks. Such is the fact that paralyzes the flow of the traffic on the eve of the end-of-year festivities, added by the fact that thousands of pedestrians come and go in this center part of the town. Besides, the closure of some roads surrounding the downtown is also considered as another cause of the traffic blocks.