Curepipe — From bad to worse…

The images speak for themselves. The center of Curepipe, the state of its main infrastructure as well as the facades of its businesses offer a desolate spectacle to residents and all those who pass through the town. For years, Curepipe has been waking up, living and sleeping in an unsanitary environment that does not seem to worry its administrators. How else can we explain the deplorable state of public spaces in the City of Light? Although it would be inappropriate in this period of water crisis to "karcherize" the city, the town hall could nevertheless initiate serious reflection around a plan to beautify Curepipe, in order to restore the city center's appeal and dignity.

At the market, the food stalls, which could have been real folk attractions for foreign visitors, operate in conditions where one should question hygiene. If the merchants recognize that the town hall regularly cleans the floors, they deplore the lack of general maintenance. Indeed, it is not enough to wash the floors to remove footprints, encrusted mud or stubborn mold. What about daily cleanliness, a real refreshment of the premises which would breathe a little life back into an architecture that was once intended to be futuristic, but is now largely outdated. And what about raising awareness among merchants themselves about maintaining cleanliness?

The owners of the businesses may well argue in their defense that the maintenance of the facades - with painting work - represents a considerable cost, the fact remains that no consensus has yet been found between them and the town hall to improve the aesthetic of the city center. However, a partnership between the municipality and merchants could make it possible to consider realistic solutions, whether it be a renovation program, financial incentives or a progressive beautification plan.

And what can we say about the Ian Palach South station, except that it is a different eye-catcher both inside and outside. Here again, sellers of various products, food, fruits and vegetables carry out their activity in an environment where cleanliness is seriously lacking.

When Tashyana Latchmana Pillay Kuppadu was elected mayor of Curepipe on May 25, she, like her predecessors, announced her priorities: among other things, restoring the shine to the Curepipe market. For the moment, only the roof of the Town Hall has regained a sky blue color, after having been cleared of a thick layer of mold.