In Toamasina, the Port Sec III project attempts to balance logistical imperatives with social tensions. The Autonomous Port Authority of Toamasina seeks to reassure residents. SPAT began clearing Port Sec III in Tsarakofafa last Monday.
The expansion of Toamasina's Multimodal Logistics and Port Platform (PMLPT) enters a critical phase. As site clearance operations for Port Sec III in Tsarakofafa began last week, the Autonomous Port Authority of Toamasina (SPAT) attempts to reconcile infrastructure development urgency with managing human impact.
Toamasina Port's General Director, Anicet Heritiana Randriambahoaka, sought to reassure families affected by house demolitions in Tsarakofafa, where the future Port Sec III will be built. On Saturday, he stated: "We started the project last week. Many families remained on the site. We had to take necessary measures to relocate them. A temporary site has been made available since yesterday [Friday]. This is to support affected families and assist them as quickly as possible." Food supplies were also distributed to families during this transitional period, officials indicate.
On social media, displaced families appealed to responsible authorities. They claim to have lived in Tsarakofafa for several decades. Images of families sleeping outdoors circulated on social networks as initial Port Sec III development work began Monday.
In a statement, SPAT indicated being "aware of the human and material difficulties caused by these operations" and reaffirmed taking measures to support affected families. "SPAT teams responsible for census and support have been deployed in the field to assess individual situations, identify immediate needs, and implement necessary assistance measures," the port authority stated.
According to SPAT's statement, "temporary hotel accommodation is provided for families requiring immediate shelter. The census continues to examine each situation and determine appropriate support measures." The authority also acknowledged testimonies from families claiming insufficient prior information about operations. "These situations are currently being examined in the field," it specified. Discussions have been held since April 2024, according to project officials.
Strategic meetings, field visits to affected populations, and information and awareness sessions on the project and relocation process have been conducted. Port Sec III aims to better organize parking and circulation of heavy vehicles related to port activities. It plans infrastructure for transporter reception and logistics flow management. Affected families will be relocated to Port Sec II, with Tsarakofafa designated for these new facilities.
Itamara Otton