National Assembly: Establishment of a parliamentary commission of inquiry to examine the malfunctions of Jirama

Mis à jour le 21 May 2026

For several years, the management of the electricity and water company Jirama has been a major source of concern for the Malagasy population, fueling a climate of mistrust and anxiety regarding the transparency of public funding. The persistence of these dysfunctions—particularly frequent power outages and drinking water shortages—raises a crucial question: how can responsible and effective governance be ensured for a service so vital to citizens’ daily lives? Despite several massive injections of public funds intended to strengthen its capacity, the company continues to face serious shortcomings, casting doubt on the actual management of these resources. The decision taken by the National Assembly in December 2025 to establish a parliamentary commission of inquiry reflects a desire to shed light on these dysfunctions, which undermine not only national energy security but also social and economic cohesion. This is not merely an act of transparency but also a genuine lever for action aimed at restoring confidence in the management of public resources. This approach demonstrates a collective commitment to a thorough review of Jirama’s governance, mobilizing all institutional stakeholders in a rigorous investigation. Transparency is not an end in itself; it must lead to concrete solutions, the implementation of strengthened oversight mechanisms, and, above all, the adoption of a credible and widely supported recovery plan. As citizens already await clear answers, this initiative represents a major political, social, and economic challenge, one that could redefine the management of essential public services in the country.

The stakes and scope of the parliamentary inquiry into the management of Jirama

The establishment of an inquiry commission by the National Assembly transcends a simple administrative procedure to become a strategic approach to overseeing public action. When it concerns the Jirama company, this initiative takes on its full significance, as it involves a key sector of the Malagasy economy and a service that directly impacts the daily lives of citizens. Beyond the technical aspect, this approach also aims to strengthen the credibility of institutions and guarantee more transparent management of public funds. The commission, composed of fifteen members, will be responsible for examining in detail the recurring dysfunctions, evaluating the effectiveness of investments, and ultimately seeking to clarify the responsibilities of each stakeholder. The objective is clear: to prevent these dysfunctions from becoming inevitable and to unite all stakeholders around a common project: rebuilding trust and accountability in the management of society. The transparency of its work is also a democratic imperative, as it requires opening its doors to civil society and the media. To this end, the National Assembly must scrupulously respect the legal and constitutional framework, ensuring an impartial review based on concrete evidence. Furthermore, this inquiry could pave the way for essential governance reforms, particularly through increased oversight by Parliament or the Court of Auditors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HivRgyzWk4A The Persistent Dysfunctions of Jirama’s Management: Observations and ChallengesFor several years, Jirama has faced a cascade of dysfunctions stemming from multiple causes. Technical failures, inadequate maintenance, opaque resource management, and issues related to disadvantageous contracts with energy suppliers or private partners all contribute to the worsening situation. Consequently, the company is often criticized for its slowness in modernizing its infrastructure and improving service quality. The frequency of power outages, poor water distribution, and even the deterioration of facilities result from a lack of governance and transparency in administrative and financial management. The complexity of the financial challenges should not obscure political responsibilities, particularly regarding the decision to allocate public funds without rigorous oversight. The problem is not limited to the degraded state of the network but also includes a major social, economic, and environmental dimension, as the company’s mismanagement impacts the entire country. Citizen and political mobilization is crystallizing around the urgent need for structural reforms, supported by an independent parliamentary inquiry.

Parliamentary inquiry: an investigative process conducted by a parliament to examine facts, policies, or government actions.

The dysfunctions at Jirama illustrate the urgent need to restore transparent management and strengthened oversight of strategic public companies. Transparency in the management of public funds is essential for restoring public trust. The lesson to be learned from this situation is that parliamentary oversight must go far beyond simple administrative checks. It must rely on effective mechanisms to apportion responsibility and ensure accountability for managers. Establishing oversight through a commission of inquiry is a crucial step in this process. It must be accompanied by a thorough assessment based on financial audits, contract reviews, and investment evaluations. More broadly, this transparency must be part of a structural reform of public company governance, including transparency in procurement, contract management, and the supervision of strategic decisions by independent bodies. Transparency, however, cannot be limited to a one-off assessment: it must also be integrated into a process of preventing corruption, combating waste, and increasing the accountability of public actors.

Parliamentary inquiry: an official process conducted by parliament to thoroughly examine a matter of public interest or government actions. Shared responsibilities: political, financial, and administrative responsibility. The dysfunctions at Jirama highlight the complexity of responsibilities in managing a crucial public service. Political responsibility, embodied by successive governments, must be examined for their role in implementing management policies and their ability to enforce recommendations. Financial responsibility lies with those who manage the funds, particularly through contract awarding, investment management, and monitoring resource utilization. Finally, administrative responsibility rests with management and technical staff, who must guarantee the continuity and quality of service. The commission of inquiry must therefore focus on establishing a precise diagnosis of these responsibilities, avoiding any political manipulation. Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of sound management. Failure in the allocation and control of public funds during investments constitutes an underlying cause of inefficiency and the ongoing deterioration of services. The examination of responsibilities must avoid any form of populism or political opportunism, in order to establish an objective truth.

Means of Action and the Need for an Independent Investigation

To guarantee the credibility of the investigation, the commission of inquiry must rely on a rigorous organization, with the collaboration of the Court of Auditors and specialized bodies. The independence of the commission members is an essential condition to avoid any external or political influence. The documentation to be collected, including contracts with suppliers, financial reports, and internal audits, must be exhaustive and objective. The implementation of a

parliamentary inquiry function

The process must prioritize institutional rigor and respect for the rights of all stakeholders. The ultimate goal is not only to diagnose the causes of the dysfunctions but also to establish a precise timetable for implementing sustainable solutions. The investigation must therefore delve into the root causes of the malfeasance and mismanagement in order to produce a transparent report that serves as a benchmark for all future reforms. The credibility of this approach also depends on the ability to mobilize independent experts and guarantee the confidentiality of sensitive information. Lessons Learned for Sustainable Public Sector Reform

The Jirama case embodies a broader challenge: strengthening the State’s capacity and accountability in the management of its strategic enterprises. The establishment of a parliamentary commission of inquiry appears to be a crucial step in this process. It should serve as a model for other sectors where public governance is under severe strain. In reality, this crisis underscores the need to adopt innovative practices, such as establishing strengthened periodic control mechanisms, digitizing public procurement, and creating independent audit units. Prevention must also become a priority through improved strategic planning, performance indicators, and increased citizen oversight. Enhanced transparency in procurement, investment management, and managerial accountability must be integral to a new governance model built around ethical values ​​and responsible management.

Responsibilities and perspectives: acting for renewed governance

The dysfunctions of Jirama and the implementation of a parliamentary commission of inquiry illustrate the urgent need for a thorough renewal of public governance. Collective responsibility must extend to all levels, whether political decision-makers, managers, or technical staff. Transparency thus becomes an essential driver for restoring trust, while fostering greater accountability among stakeholders. The initiative launched in December 2025 is just one step towards a broader public management reform process. It must be accompanied by concrete measures, such as the establishment of effective audit systems and the digitalization of administrative processes. Malagasy society must also learn from these experiences to encourage more active citizen participation by organizing public forums and promoting transparency in the awarding of public contracts. Strengthening these mechanisms will help establish a renewed relationship of trust between the administration, oversight bodies, and civil society, which is essential for modern and responsible public management.

What is the main objective of the parliamentary inquiry into Jirama?

Its aim is to examine in detail the company’s dysfunctions, establish the responsibility of stakeholders, and propose concrete solutions to improve management and restore trust in public services.

How can transparency strengthen Jirama’s management?

By promoting the publication of contracts, audits, and financial reports, transparency empowers all stakeholders and prevents embezzlement or mismanagement.

What are the risks if no reforms are undertaken?

The dysfunctions are likely to persist, exacerbating the social, economic, and environmental crisis, while fueling distrust of public institutions and the erosion of social cohesion.