Soalara : Geography, Infrastructure, Communes, References and notes Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Soalara

Place in Atsimo-Andrefana, Madagascar

Soalara Soalara Sud
23°35′S 43°43′E / 23.583°S 43.717°E / -23.583; 43.717
Country	Madagascar
Region	Atsimo-Andrefana
District	Toliara II
Government ^[1]
• Mayor	Jophelin Noasoavina
Area
• Total	525.41 km² (202.86 sq mi)
Elevation ^[2]	31 m (102 ft)
Population (2006)
• Total	7,774
Time zone	UTC3 (EAT)
Postal code	602

Soalara or Soalara Sud is a rural municipality in Madagascar. It belongs to the district of Toliara II, which is a part of Atsimo-Andrefana Region. The population of the commune was estimated to be approximately 7774 in 2006.^[3] Soalara is served by a local airport and riverine harbour. Primary and junior level secondary education are available in town. The majority 60% of the population works in fishing. 15% are farmers, while an additional 20% receives their livelihood from raising livestock. The most important crop is cassava, while other important products are sweet potatoes and cowpeas. Services provide employment for 5% of the population.^[4]

Geography

It is situated at the southern side of the mouth of the Onilahy River. A ferry used to assure transport to Saint Augustin, Madagascar but it broke down.^[5] It is necessary to take small outrigger canoes or to make the trip around the bay (250 km).

Infrastructure

There is none. The infrastructure of this town can be called a disaster: there is no post-office, no water supplies, no electricity, no hospital. The harbor has fallen into pieces. Ferry: none. And its airport? Just forget it ! Access by route to the next point of civilisation: 300km (unpaved).^[6]

3 radio stations can be received and there are 3 shops.

Communes

Soalara Sud

Number of fokontany (villages): 07
Name of the fokontany (villages) : Soalara Haut, Soalara Bas, Marovale, Sirafaly, Ankilimnivony, Andranotohoke, Ambahevahe