Following complaints from users about the severely degraded condition of the Berivotra section on National Route 4 (RN4), the Boeny regional public works department has provided explanations and announced the resumption of work on this route. Rehabilitation of this national highway section had been suspended due to a shortage of basic materials. Work has resumed in recent days.
"The rehabilitation work on this route, from Berivotra to the Boanamary intersection, encountered technical problems with quarry operations and supply of basic materials. A shortage of asphalt in Madagascar also caused work to stop after scarification of this section. The contractor's stock was insufficient. Most importantly, World Bank requirements stipulated in the contract prohibit the use of limestone. Technicians had to collect granite from the Betsiboka region in Maevatanàna and basalt stones from Marovoay. Rehabilitation activities are thus resuming on this very difficult section. Major works will be completed by the end of November on this route up to the Boanamary intersection, according to the contractor's promise. The rest will be completed progressively," declared Bien-Aimé Raherinirina, regional director of Boeny public works.
In recent days, users have noticed slight improvement on the section between Berivotra and the Boanamary intersection, but dust and vibrations remain very noticeable. The half-section between the Betsako intersection and less than 5 km from Besely remains catastrophic. The same situation is observed along RN4 from Maevatanana to Ankazobe.
Improvement is evident on the national route, but many works are still ongoing. Numerous traffic stops delay vehicle circulation along the highway. A new construction site has started at Mandritsarahely in Ambato-Boeny district, after Andranofasika, and at Marosakoa in Marovoay district. Rehabilitation work is also underway before the Razaka intersection near FJKM Mahatazantsoa, and at the two fords after Tanambao-Andranolava. The roadway is scarified and severely degraded.
The Ankarafantsika road, over 12 km long, is completed and rehabilitated. Potholes and large cavities have disappeared and the roadway is covered with new asphalt. The route is fast and has been widened on both sides. The two speed bumps in front of Ankarafantsika national park have been removed. Lane markings have also been completed.
The Tsarahonenana section after the Tsaratanàna and Andranomamy intersection is now covered in less than 10 minutes, whereas previously vehicles took an hour to traverse 10 km. However, caution is advised due to numerous new speed bumps installed along the route from Maevatanàna to Mahatsinjo.