Changes

In later years the island was used to store explosive powder, which could also pose a risk of fire in the city where houses were mostly built by wood. Today, the island is a monument to commemorate victims of World War I, in which many Malagasy people died while fighting on the front line for France. Today, many poor and homeless people live in the park areas surrounding the lake. Although the lake is highly polluted, people can sometimes be seen washing and fishing. As there is much traffic around the lake it is best visited on public holidays or during non-rush hours.