STORY
Into the Abyss of Madagascar
Antananarivo - Madagascar 2019
Andralanitra, located on the outskirts of Antananarivo, Madagascar, tells a story of daily survival where 3,000 souls are forced to live in inhumane conditions amidst waste and degradation. This report delves into the depths of an environmental, social, and ethical crisis, exploring the lives of those trapped in a cycle of poverty and exploitation, and highlighting the responsibilities of influential figures and organizations involved.
Life in Andralanitra: Survival Among the Waste
The community of Andralanitra, including men, women, children, and the elderly, is forced to scavenge daily for recyclable materials such as plastic, bones, and iron from the landfill, selling them to local buyers for a pittance. This collection work is the only means of subsistence for these people, whose lives seem to hold little value in the eyes of the outside world.
Father Pedro Opeka: A Controversial Guardian Angel
Father Pedro Opeka, a missionary by vocation, is at the center of a major project aimed at providing an alternative for those working in the landfill. With the support of President Andry Rajoelina, he has created villages to house 3,000 families, offering a different model of life. However, despite international praise, doubts arise about the true intentions and results of his work, suggesting a more complex and perhaps less altruistic reality than it appears.
The Economy of Survival: Waste Trafficking and Speculation
SAMVA, the entity responsible for waste management, has proven ineffective in addressing the environmental and health crisis in Antananarivo. The lack of resources and political will has turned Andralanitra into an ecological time bomb, with implications that extend beyond local boundaries. Companies like COLAS, VERTEC, ACIPENSER, and the PASTEUR INSTITUTE, despite having permits, contribute to the problem by dumping waste, sometimes hazardous, without adequate controls.
Conclusions and Reflections
The situation in Andralanitra is not an isolated case but a glaring example of the global challenges related to waste management and social inequality. The story of this community calls for urgent international attention and concrete actions to end a cycle of exploitation and neglect. It is crucial that all stakeholders, from local authorities to international organizations, review their policies and practices to ensure a more just and sustainable future for the residents of Andralanitra.
The economy of Andralanitra revolves around the recycling of materials, with a complex system involving collectors, intermediaries, and buyers. For example, plastic, a highly demanded material, is sold at 350 ariary per kilogram, with intermediaries earning about €100 per month from this trade. This economic cycle highlights a chain of exploitation and dependency that benefits a few at the expense of the majority.
