Soalara Explained

Official Name:Soalara
Other Name:Soalara Sud
Pushpin Map:Madagascar
Pushpin Label Position:bottom
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Madagascar
Pushpin Mapsize:180
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:Region
Subdivision Name1:Atsimo-Andrefana
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Toliara II
Government Footnotes:[1]
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:Jophelin Noasoavina
Area Total Km2:525.41
Population As Of:2006
Population Total:7774
Population Blank1 Title:Ethnicities
Population Blank2 Title:Religions
Timezone:EAT
Utc Offset:3
Coordinates:-23.5833°N 86°W
Elevation Footnotes:[2]
Elevation M:31
Postal Code Type:Postal code
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

References and notes

-23.5833°N 86°W

Notes and References

  1. https://midi-madagasikara.mg/bac-maritime-fiavota-desenclave-le-sud-de-toliara-assure-le-nouveau-gerant/ bac-maritime-fiavota-desenclave-le-sud
  2. Estimated based on DEM data from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission
  3. https://www.formad-environnement.org/Soalara_PCD%20final_dec2006.pdf (in French:) PCD Soalara
  4. Web site: ILO census data . . 2002 . 2008-03-13.
  5. https://lexpress.mg/23/06/2023/transport-maritime-les-usagers-du-bac-fiavota-abandonnes-a-eux-memes/ Bac Fiavota abandonné.
  6. https://www.formad-environnement.org/Soalara_PCD%20final_dec2006.pdf (in French:) PCD Soalara