I have repeatedly praised the appearance of modern service stations along national roads. Light, an island of light, in the pitch darkness of nowhere. Well-stocked shops with an unexpected touch of luxury so far from major cities. Dining areas for a welcome break. Unfortunately, when it comes to relieving certain pressing needs after a hundred kilometers, things don't always go smoothly. As time passes since inauguration, we increasingly encounter deplorable neglect in cleanliness or logistical failures.
"Petrol station" in a developing country doesn't stop at selling fuel. Already "CSR" or simply "HR", when basic staff education is needed? A complex task considering the material gap that may separate their professional daily life from their dormitory-home. Should running water simply fail, will flushing still be possible? A handle or push button can prove terribly intimidating when discovered without instructions. Yet certain minimum standards toward customers are entrusted to these very bewildered agents themselves.
For a global brand, it would be interesting to know if it would install the same "Toilets 101" that greet us at a certain station in Ambohimandroso (RN7) in another, say more "emerging", country. A more local brand just inaugurated a beautiful, brand new station in Ambatolampy (RN7): it's unfortunate that at its other station in Ambohidratrimo-Alakamisy (RN4) running water has ceased to flow, failing to dispel that ammonia stench. Eminently regrettable when we had great hope that "Shell-Total-Jovena-Galana" toilets would eliminate the improvised urination corners that no brochure for the hypothetical million tourists will ever mention.
Where ultimately our certain idea of ourselves takes refuge. The civilization of toilets, seat of inner reflection.
Nasolo-Valiavo Andriamihaja