If this weren't Madagascar, no one would dare say "Antananarivo-Antsirabe is finally done" when you've barely left Ambatolampy and haven't even reached Antsirabe yet, only to find yourself on a terrible road. It's unfortunate that Covid and the separation of Ambatolampy from Antananarivo have killed the "Rendez-Vous des Pêcheurs" because, nowadays, after a year and a half, like before, the first 70 kilometers are still in bad shape.
Ihazolava entrance: many small vehicles with fragile suspensions will likely be damaged. Ihazolava-Ambohimandroso: besides the scattered gravel that's finished, dust still clouds the air and vehicles are shaken by potholes. Ambohimandroso-town: deep ruts from water erosion are now common, with gaping holes in the middle of town.
Leaving Ambohimandroso: many drainage holes that, if you're not careful, could damage the front axle. Ampitatafika-Ilempona: part of what could be called a "national road." Ilempona-Ianaborona-Morarano: work that BTP contractors have been dragging out for two years while people still suffer from dust. Besides that, every descent loses asphalt and every climb loses road surface.
Sambaina-Antsoanty: to make progress, besides the small railway crossing and the 100 meters of unfinished road at Antsampanimahazo. Andranomanelatra-Antsirabe: just a short distance left to reach Antsirabe, not exactly a "welcome" but half a kilometer of remaining road still not properly damaged by vehicles. Small potholes damage suspension components, shake tie rods and ball joints, damage shock absorbers, and frustrate drivers and users of public transport.
Two years ago, even though Antananarivo-Antsirabe wasn't great, it was still passable, not like when the asphalt was laid and then left to become dusty, broken, and rocky. If this weren't Madagascar, 170 kilometers in two years would still be unfinished!
Nasolo-Valiavo Andriamihaja