In Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, access to running water has become a significant challenge, exacerbating the struggles of residents in the informal economy. The local water supply infrastructure has become overwhelmed, leading to a situation where many families, like that of Hoby, experience severe difficulty in obtaining water. According to Hoby, who has resorted to sleeping near public water sources, the informal market for water has become not only an arduous task but also a financial strain, forcing some individuals to give up their jobs to afford the costs associated with obtaining water.

The economic toll of this situation is particularly heavy for poorer families. Hoby's experience illustrates a broader trend where the prices of informal water carriers, approximately 1,000 ariary (20 cents of a euro) per container, have surged amid the severe lack of access to water. As families are forced to prioritize water access over other necessities, this dynamic raises critical questions about the sustainability of informal economies and the impacts of urban infrastructure failure on the most vulnerable populations in Madagascar.

This ongoing water crisis underscores the urgent need for infrastructural improvements and more sustainable solutions to ensure that all residents have access to this essential resource. Without significant policy intervention, the cycle of dependence on informal water sources is likely to continue, further perpetuating the economic hardships faced by families like Hoby's and exacerbating existing inequalities in the community.