An inflatable bubble is positioned between two public roads. Traffic coexistence issues between entertainment zones and vehicle flows at Mahajanga's seafront have persisted for several days. Regulating vehicle circulation around entertainment and nighttime leisure areas proves extremely difficult. Heavy crowds are recorded each evening, rapidly saturating pedestrian spaces and road axes along Boulevard Poincaré.
Since last week, additional slides, inflatable structures, and trampolines have been installed in the middle of the boulevard's two lanes, between electrical poles. Ferris wheels, rides, pirate ships, and bumper cars already occupy streets closed to traffic, as in previous years. Coexistence between leisure zones and vehicle traffic is challenging, with vehicles sometimes passing less than a meter from play areas. This situation risks causing a serious accident.
Poorly Located
The problem occurs precisely where large transparent inflatable bubbles filled with small balloons for toddlers are positioned. These are installed opposite the Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara headquarters. The location is particularly poorly chosen. This entertainment area should be surrounded by free space, not directly facing the public road. "Children exit directly onto the public road from the transparent inflatable bubble. It's inconceivable. Safety is virtually nonexistent for these children," observed one parent.
Meanwhile, municipal authorities also struggle to manage vehicle and motorcycle circulation. The absence of municipal police officers encourages chaotic parking, severely disrupting traffic. From Grand Baobab to the Enem headquarters, traffic becomes particularly disorderly. A few national and municipal police officers attempted to restore order Saturday evening. Better traffic regulation and strengthened safety measures would support the area's high tourist attendance.
Vero Andrianarisoa