In Madagascar, particularly in the capital city Antananarivo, the onset of the rainy season brings significant challenges to daily travel due to poorly maintained roads that transform into impassable traps. Local men, known as cart taxi operators, step in to assist passersby by transporting them across flooded areas using their carts for a fee, which is often just a few cents. This service, while vital for the community, comes with its physical challenges due to the dangerous conditions they work in.

One such cart taxi operator, Faby, exemplifies the hard work and commitment required for this role. He rises at dawn to start his day, navigating treacherous roads filled with deep holes and loose cobblestones that threaten to tip his cart. In his own words, Faby describes the job as physically demanding, underscoring the need for constant vigilance to avoid accidents. Their primary goal is to ensure that their passengers arrive at their destinations safely and dry, highlighting the precarious balance between providing a necessary service and risking personal safety.

This profession highlights the broader theme of Madagascar’s informal economy, which plays a critical role in the livelihoods of many individuals despite lacking formal recognition or support. As seasonal rains increasingly disrupt transport and infrastructure, the importance of informal workers like Faby may grow, making them indispensable for urban mobility and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.