The Malagasy road network is currently estimated at 31,640 km of roads and is divided into three categories of networks:

• The national roads (approximately 11,746 km)

• The Provincial Highways

• The network of municipal roads

Of the 31,640 km of roads, official statistics showed that only 10% of roads were in good condition and practicable throughout the year, 28% in average condition and 64% in poor condition. These statistics remain very optimistic due to the high deterioration of main asphalt road.

 

Despite this deplorable situation, the Malagasy government spends only 8% of its budget on infrastructure. The European Union, the World Bank and the African Development Bank have come to the rescue to improve road infrastructure, but this does not prevent the road network in the country from deteriorating.

To the decrepit Malagasy roads and lack of maintenance are added the consequences of natural disasters like cyclones and floods.

 

The construction of roads to open up territories and increase agricultural production is one of the priorities of the next few years without really knowing where the funding will come from.

 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link:

 

 

Distance Matrix

 

Road Security

Road safety in Madagascar is problematic and should be taken seriously due to several factors:

-       Condition of infrastructure: road infrastructure is in very poor condition, if only about 10% of the network is asphalted, 48% of it is in poor condition with dilapidated structures often damaged by heavy rains or catastrophes natural.

 

-       No signaling: Road signs are almost non-existent and local drivers often do not even know the basics of road traffic, not respecting speed limits, priorities or good passing practices.

 

-       Vehicle fleet: the car fleet at national level is constantly increasing, with mostly old vehicles (between 10 and 15 years old) and poorly maintained. In addition, most spare parts are fake or poor quality

 

-       Obstacles: Roads are equally as used by vehicles, as by pedestrians, carts and itinerant herds. Out of the main streets of large cities, lighting is non-existent, so it is advisable to be very vigilant.

 

-       Criminality: There is a high risk of crime if travelling by road in Madagascar, including carjacking and armed robbery, particularly at night. Owing to reports of an increasing number of violent highway robberies, a particularly high level of vigilance should be maintain if traveling on the following roads: RN7, RN27, RN10, RN13 and the RN1B (between Tsiroanomandidy and Maintirano).

Road Pictures

RN2: Main national road linking the international port of Toamasina to Antananarivo. 75% of the importation product are 

Road National (RN) 7: Road linking the capital to the southern parts of the country. This road is known to be the most touristic road across the country.

Broken bridge on the RN7 at Vohiposa level on the 18^th of September 2017. The European Union has mobilized funds for the establishment of an emergency diversion

Road National (RN) 13: from Ihosy, going to Tolagnaro, it become very difficult during the rainy season

Road National (RN) 13: linking Tolagnaro to Toliara, it become very difficult during the rainy season

Secondary roads: Few pictures of how can be the secondary roads, a kind of locally made bridge and a Bac used to cross some rivers.

Others: Example of roads affected by flooding or cyclones