Jirama is intensifying its measures to guarantee the sanitary quality of the water

Mis à jour le 21 May 2026

The Crucial Challenges of Water Management by Jirama for Public Health in Madagascar

In 2026, Madagascar faces a situation where the quality of water distributed in the capital remains a major public health concern. Jirama, the public company in charge of water management, is confronted with worsening supply challenges, exacerbated by extreme weather conditions, the proliferation of illegal construction, and aging infrastructure. The ability to provide safe drinking water that meets quality control standards is a major public health challenge. The degradation of water quality, directly linked to frequent severe weather events, erodes public confidence while highlighting the need to adopt stronger health measures. Intense rainfall, by causing an excess of suspended matter in surface waters, complicates treatment and creates situations where the water becomes visibly unfit for consumption. The situation is exacerbated by uncontrolled urbanization, which is leading to the gradual destruction of some water sources and a degraded network, potentially hindering effective and sustainable management. In this context, the implementation of innovative strategies, such as the Mandroseza II program, appears to be a crucial lever for strengthening water safety and standardizing quality controls.

How the modernization of Jirama’s infrastructure addresses current drinking water challenges in Antananarivo.

To overcome recurring crises related to water availability and quality, Jirama has launched a major infrastructure modernization program. The Mandroseza II project, a substantial investment supported by the World Bank, is the cornerstone of this initiative. Its main objective is to increase drinking water production capacity while ensuring optimal treatment management through the installation of new strategic equipment, including modern pumping stations, compact treatment units, and high-performance laboratories.

Strengthened quality control and hygiene strategies to address water crises in 2026

Faced with network deficiencies, Jirama has adopted a rigorous quality control policy, with regular laboratory analyses to guarantee the conformity of the distributed water. These controls are part of a public health safety approach aimed at preventing any contamination that could harm public health. The objective is to maintain the distributed water in a state that minimizes the risks of waterborne diseases, such as cholera or dysentery, while ensuring the continuous hygiene of the treatment and distribution facilities. Health and technical authorities, in collaboration with Jirama, have also strengthened their monitoring system by establishing regular field inspections. This is to identify any quality issues early on, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall or uncontrolled urbanization. In parallel, hygiene education programs are being disseminated among the population, targeting the most vulnerable neighborhoods, to raise awareness of the importance of drinking clean water and practicing good individual sanitation. Factors Impacting Water Quality

Potential Consequences

This deficit, estimated at 100,000 m³ per day, represents a major constraint for water management in Greater Antananarivo. While resolving this issue inevitably requires significant investment, it also necessitates rigorous and transparent resource management. The implementation of modern monitoring tools, such as integrated management systems, is underway to ensure an appropriate response to future needs.

Examples of key actions:

Construction of new treatment plants 🔧

• Replacement of old pipes 🚰
• Expansion of pumping stations in Mandroseza 🛢️
• Strengthening of water analysis laboratories 🧪
• Upgrading of the existing network to limit water losses 💦
• Discover the importance of water quality, its evaluation criteria, and the methods for guaranteeing clean and safe water for all.

Aligned with the national strategy for sustainable water management, the Mandroseza II project illustrates Jirama’s commitment to adopting an integrated approach, combining technological modernization and community awareness. Its inclusion within the broader framework of the Water Access Improvement Program (PAAEP) reflects a commitment to deploying sustainable solutions tailored to Madagascar’s specific challenges.

This project also aims to strengthen Jirama’s institutional capacity, enabling it to operate more efficiently and transparently. Staff training and the implementation of modern monitoring and management tools are essential steps to ensure the sustainability of the investments made. The approach also relies on the active participation of local communities, in order to involve every stakeholder in the preservation of water resources.

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Challenges and Opportunities for Ensuring Water Security in the Future of Madagascar

Attentive to these challenges, the international community and local partners are continuing their efforts to improve water management. The water crisis, exacerbated by extreme weather events, must be addressed with a commitment to innovation, particularly through the introduction of new treatment and storage technologies. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained mobilization, increased transparency in processes, and strengthened citizen participation.

The challenges are numerous, but they also present unique opportunities: the chance to fundamentally reform management systems, increase infrastructure resilience, and guarantee every resident reliable access to safe water. The key lies in proactive management, uniting all stakeholders around a common goal: preserving the health and well-being of the population through a supply of quality water that meets international standards.

What are the main challenges Jirama must address in 2026?

Jirama must contend with deteriorating infrastructure, the impact of climate change, uncontrolled urbanization, and the need to guarantee impeccable water quality for public health.

How does the Mandroseza II project contribute to improving water management in Madagascar?

This project modernizes infrastructure, increases treatment capacity, and implements integrated management tools, thereby ensuring sustainable availability and improved water safety. What health measures did Jirama strengthen in 2026?

It intensified laboratory quality controls, improved water treatment, and implemented hygiene education campaigns to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases.

What are the main factors that can influence water quality in Madagascar?

Inclement weather, illegal urbanization, aging pipes, waste pollution, and a lack of effective monitoring are among the major factors.

What innovations are planned for water management in Madagascar?

The introduction of new treatment technologies, the strengthening of infrastructure, data-driven management, and community participation represent the major axes to guarantee the future of drinking water.