Antananarivo is managed by the urban commune, but its development relies on collective action. Government, commune and fokontany each contribute to advancing the city. The president of the special delegation of the city of Antananarivo, Feno Ralambomanana. As the country's capital, the city has a special status. The Urban Commune of Antananarivo (CUA) enjoys real autonomy that allows it to administer itself freely within an appropriate framework. Its competencies are broad: animation, planning and coordination of local development, transport, road management, sanitation, hygiene, water access and public lighting. It is also responsible for enforcing urban planning rules. In this capacity, the municipality can order the demolition of structures presenting a danger, although a decision from the summary court remains mandatory before any intervention. Despite its prerogatives, the municipality struggles to assume the capital's development alone. "Regarding road infrastructure for example, the maintenance of communal roads theoretically falls under our competency. However, due to insufficient budget, we can only carry out maintenance work. For major projects requiring complete resurfacing and paving, government support is essential," says a source within the CUA. Tax revenues in decline On the government side, it is clarified that aid provided strictly respects the city's decision-making autonomy. "State interventions are based on technical and financial support. If projects prove necessary to meet the population's needs but local resources are lacking, the government can take over," explains a ministry department. The capital's finances rely mainly on state subsidies, local taxes and household waste fees (ROM). However, revenues remain negligible due to persistent tax evasion. Of the 200,000 homes recorded in Antananarivo, only 33,000 properties pay property tax, barely 15% of potential taxpayers according to figures released by the city in August. In this context, the 192 fokontany of the capital constitute essential pillars for central administration. Their leaders actively participate in developing programs. The municipality also delegates several administrative and local tasks to fokontany chiefs, such as issuing residence, single status and life certificates, as well as mediating neighborhood disputes. "Recently, the commune asked us to intensify awareness campaigns on sanitation and tax civility. No development is possible without grassroots contribution and a profound change in mentality," emphasizes the president of the Ampangabe fokontany. Finally, the Police Prefect of Antananarivo, delegate of the Interior Ministry, represents the State with the commune. He ensures the subsequent legality control of acts taken by the municipality. Miangaly Ralitera