Curepipe

Etymology

The town's name, Curepipe, is said to be originated from the French curer sa pipe, which translates to "cleaning the pipe". There are several theories by historians as to the naming of the city. Some historians believe that the name was given as travelers and soldiers from the 19th century often traveled from Port Louis and Grand Port (now Mahébourg) to refill their pipes in Curepipe. Other historians believe that the name was given after a late landowner during the 18th century.

Geography

The town officially covers an area of 23.8 square kilometres (9.2 sq mi). It is located in the Plaine Wilhems district on the central plateau of Mauritius at an altitude of 561 meters. Of the larger towns of the island's central plateau, Curepipe is the most southern and also the highest. As a consequence of its height, Curepipe is known for its relatively cool and rainy climate.

Politics

Curepipe is managed by a council, which is democratically elected by its citizens. The council is headed by the Mayor and is principally responsible for local policy making. The current Mayor is Nathalie Stephanie Gopee (elected June 2015). The town's administration on the other hand is responsible for the implementation of these policies as well as the day-to-day management of the council's activities. The current administrative head is Mr Vineshsing Seeparsad, who joined the local government in March 2011.

Curepipe's historic town hall was actually originally situated in Moka, and the whole building was moved to Curepipe in 1903.

For the general elections the town is classified as the No 17 constituency known as Curepipe and Midlands.

Demographics

According to the census made by Statistics Mauritius in 2015, the population of the town was at 79,014. The primary spoken language is Mauritian Creole, though French predominates in more formal situations. Tamil, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Telugu, Urdu, Mandarin and Hakka Chinese are also spoken as second or third language mostly in religious activities. The council's official language is English.

Economic activities

The town hosts several textile factories, a diamond processing industry and a range of jewelry businesses. In addition, handicraft shops, restaurants and shopping centers add to the commercial mix of the town. The relatively affluent suburbs are also home to a great deal of business activity.

Sustainable development

The town council is acutely aware of the need to bring principles of sustainability into the town's economic development. Prominent projects include the segregation of waste, judicious use of water, parking problems, the encouraging of public transport, the promotion of the SSR Curepipe Botanic Gardens and working towards minimizing the town's carbon footprint. In 2011 the town joined ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability.

Recently, the council embarked on a project nicknamed "For a Greener Curepipe" in collaboration with Gender Links Mauritius, in order to spur the growing environmental interest of Curepipe's citizens. Tree planting, backyard composting and food growing was encouraged, and a range of community organisations from schools to women's groups were involved.

Sensitization programmes are also underway in collaboration with the Central Water Authority of Mauritius, towards encouraging a more judicious management of the town's water resources.

Tourism

Curepipe, though inland from the main coastal tourist areas of Mauritius, is nonetheless a tourist destination. Some of the more popular attractions include:

Education

Curepipe is home to various secondary schools which include the Ambassador College, Floreal SSS, Curepipe College, Dar-ul-Maarif Secondary School, Doha Secondary School, Dunputh Lallah SSS, Forest Side SSS Boys, Forest Side SSS Girls, Full Day School, Hindu Girls College, Imperial College, Loreto College Curepipe, Lycee Labourdonnais, Mauricia Institute, Mauritius College Boys, Mauritius College Girls, Notre Dame College, Ocep College, Presidency College Boys, Presidency College Girls, Renaissance College, St Patrick's College, Royal College Curepipe and St. Joseph's College.

Sports

The town is home to the Stade George V, the teams of the town are the Curepipe Starlight SC and the current champions Cercle de Joachim, they currently play in the National First Division for the 2015–2016 season.

Suburbs

The town of Curepipe is divided into different regions.

Twin towns – Sister cities

Curepipe is twinned with: