Soalara

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Soalara
Soalara Sud
Soalara is located in Madagascar
Soalara
Soalara
Location in Madagascar
Coordinates: 23°35′S 43°43′E / 23.583°S 43.717°E / -23.583; 43.717
Country Madagascar
RegionAtsimo-Andrefana
DistrictToliara II
Government
 • MayorJophelin Noasoavina
Area
 • Total525.41 km2 (202.86 sq mi)
Elevation31 m (102 ft)
Population
 (2006)
 • Total7,774
Time zoneUTC3 (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

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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

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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

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Soalara Sud

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


References and notes

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  1. ^ bac-maritime-fiavota-desenclave-le-sud
  2. ^ Estimated based on DEM data from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission
  3. ^ (in French:) PCD Soalara
  4. ^ "ILO census data". Cornell University. 2002. Retrieved 2008-03-13.
  5. ^ Bac Fiavota abandonné.
  6. ^ (in French:) PCD Soalara

23°35′S 43°43′E / 23.583°S 43.717°E / -23.583; 43.717