Illegal construction in front of the former Tropik cinema at Tsimenatse, Toliara. Illicit sidewalk occupations are part of daily life in the City of the Sun. Yet another makeshift wooden structure erected in front of the former "Cinematropic" cinema at Tsimenatse, which circulated on social media, has pushed residents of Toliara to the breaking point. The non-compliant construction, located in front of the Regional Public Works Department and at a busy intersection, was widely reported and eventually demolished.
In many neighborhoods including Ambohitsabo, Antaninarenina, Andaboly, and Andakoro, wastewater flows onto public pathways, which have become dumping grounds and public toilets. This phenomenon stems from the lack of sanitation infrastructure and toilets in numerous homes.
Rubbish accumulates throughout the streets, particularly at Tanambao, in front of the cemetery, in the middle of the road at the "Be" bazaar, in Besakoa near the primary school, at the Mahavatse fish market, and outside the Jirama water company in Ankilifaly. The interior of the Scama market in Betania is considered the worst.
"I have no words to describe the filth, dirty water, and disorder inside this market. The disorganization leads merchants to throw their waste everywhere," recounts a mother of three living in Amborongony, near the Scama market.
"Restoring order and cleanliness is not solely the responsibility of Toliara's municipal authority. The fact that Mahavatse beaches are used as public toilets, for example, is a matter of mentality that needs to be reorganized and reformatted. Unfortunately, no political entity has succeeded in changing these behaviors so far," says a fifty-year-old resident who has lived in Toliara for fifteen years.
Miotisoa Mare