29 Nov 2024 | 11:25 AM UTC
Madagascar: Further protests triggered by power cuts, water shortages likely nationwide through at least late December /update 2
Ongoing power, water shortages likely to cause further protests in Madagascar, especially Antananarivo, through at least late December.
Ongoing power and water shortages will likely continue to generate disruptions and protests in Madagascar through at least late December. While the Jirama, Madagascar's national water and electricity utility, currently schedules two-hour-long bouts of power interruptions; however, reports suggest these have lasted more than 10 hours in some cases. Water shortages are also reported especially in the capital, with authorities providing water tankers to stricken areas. Authorities have also reportedly deployed emergency fuel- and solar-powered powerplants and conducted cloud-seeding operations to cause rainfall. For further updates on ongoing shortages and affected locations, please click here.
Protests after nightfall have been reported across Antananarivo and surrounds, including the areas of Ambatomaro, Ambohibao, Ambohipo, Ambohidratrimo, Ampefiloha, Analamahitsy, Andoharanofotsy, Andraisoro, the "Cite des 67Ha", Tanjombato, and Tsarahonenana. Police have been deployed to monitor events. Clashes between protesters and police forces, involving road blockages and tear gas, have led to multiple injuries and arrests.
Further protests and localized disruptions are likely in the coming weeks as the utility continues to implement power and water cuts. Protests are especially likely ahead of and following the Dec. 11 municipal elections. Increased security is likely nationwide, especially in Antananarivo. Clashes between residents and security forces are possible. Temporary commercial and communications disruptions are likely during shortages. Business disruptions are possible, especially for companies that rely on large quantities of municipal water. Essential services, including hospitals and health facilities, could experience disruptions despite contingency plans. Cellular and mobile services could be affected during power outages. Traffic disruptions and longer driving times are possible during these periods due to malfunctioning traffic signals. Trains may also experience delays if outages impact signaling devices or overhead wires. Power outages could also result in temporarily unavailable essential services such as ATMs and filling stations. There is an increased security threat during power outages. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages.
Develop or review business continuity plan sections regarding utility outages. Identify business-critical functions that require a power and water supply. Invest in generators and, if applicable, uninterruptible power supply units. Power laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and other business or travel-critical appliances regularly. Stock up on drinking water and confirm alternative water supplies for business operations during shortages or restrictions. Use only bottled water from reputable suppliers for drinking and hygienic purposes. Water pressure and quality may be poor after service resumes; run taps for several minutes before using water. Minimize nonessential water use throughout the shortages. Consult relevant information sources covering planned or unplanned shortages and monitor announcements from the utility.
Avoid all protests. Exercise caution near demonstration sites. If violence erupts, leave the area immediately and take refuge in a secure, nongovernmental building. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent areas where large demonstrations are taking place. Monitor local media for details concerning gatherings, as organizers may not announce plans in advance.
Due to its arid climate and infrastructure challenges, Madagascar regularly suffers from periods of drought and water shortages. Since a third of Madagascar's electricity comes from hydropower, drought also impacts power distribution, which in turn prevents the provision of water in some areas. The most recent spike in shortages began in early August when the Jirama reported a drop in electricity production following an incident at the Andekaleka hydropower plant and low water levels. The utility has since resumed rolling power cuts.
