Didy

Didy is a town and commune (Malagasy: kaominina) in Madagascar. It belongs to the district of Ambatondrazaka, which is a part of Alaotra-Mangoro Region. The population of the commune was estimated to be approximately 15,000 in 2001 commune census.[3]

Didy
Didy
Location in Madagascar
Coordinates: 18°7′S 48°32′E
Country Madagascar
RegionAlaotra-Mangoro
DistrictAmbatondrazaka
Government
 • MayorDavidson Radoka
Area
 • Total177,316 km2 (68,462 sq mi)
Elevation1,034 m (3,392 ft)
Population
 (2001)[3]
 • Total15,000
Time zoneUTC3 (EAT)

The town of Didy is situated at 54 km from Ambatondrazaka.[4]

Only primary schooling is available. The majority 85% of the population of the commune are farmers, while an additional 14% receives their livelihood from raising livestock. The most important crop is rice, while other important products are maize, cassava and tomato. Services provide employment for 1% of the population.[3]

History

In the beginning of 2012, a sapphire and ruby rush occurred 25 kilometers south-east of Didy. The rush was due to the exceptional color, clarity and size of the precious stones found there.

Discovered in alluvium, in the core of a wild forest located in the Ankeniheny-Zahamena national park, sapphires and rubies required holes from 50 centimeters to 2 meters depth to be extracted.

Following the arrival of 40,000 people on the occurrence, the government ordained to evacuate the area in June 2012 and the access was denied.

References and notes
  1. (in French) www.newsmada.com/
  2. Estimated based on DEM data from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission
  3. "ILO census data". Cornell University. 2002. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
  4. (in French) www.newsmada.com/

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