Curepipe Targets 500 Abandoned Plots of Land to Halt Rising Rat Infestation

Authorities in Curepipe have launched a major offensive against a growing rat infestation as the town emerges alongside Port Louis as one of the areas most affected by the pests. The escalation comes in response to a rise in leptospirosis cases across the country, triggering an extensive municipal action plan combining mass baiting, deep-cleaning operations, and a crackdown on local landowners.

High-Pressure Offensive at the Bazaar

The campaign began on 28 February at the town’s central bazaar, identified as a critical focal point for the infestation.

Under the supervision of municipal inspectors and elected officials, Brillant Cleaning Services conducted a “deep scrub” of the site between 1 and 2 March.

Food stalls, shops, tables, walls, and drains were treated with high-pressure water and disinfectants after traders were ordered to clear all merchandise and debris.

Following the cleaning, a permanent daily maintenance schedule has been established to prevent future waste accumulation.

Town-Wide De-ratting and Fines

Municipal Councillor Julien Permal confirmed that the strategy extends far beyond the marketplace.

The council is currently targeting over 500 abandoned or overgrown plots of land, which serve as primary breeding grounds for vermin.

• Daily Interventions: Extermination teams are deploying poisoned bait across various neighbourhoods every day.
• Infrastructure: Drains and waterways are being cleared to remove blockages and nesting sites.
• Waste Collection: A new district-by-district service has been launched for bulky waste, allowing residents to dispose of old furniture and timber—though electronic waste is excluded.
• Enforcement: Owners of neglected plots are being identified and fined (verbalisés). In some urgent cases, the council is intervening to clean private land directly, despite limited resources.

Staffing and Public Responsibility

To combat a shortage of personnel, the municipality has secured additional funding for overtime and recently recruited a team of 40 workers to bolster the cleanup efforts.

However, officials warn that the council cannot win the battle alone. “The proliferation of rats is a global phenomenon.

This fight cannot be led by the town hall alone; it requires collective awareness,” Mr Permal stated.

Residents are being urged to stop illegal dumping, keep drains clear, and maintain their immediate surroundings.

Upcoming awareness campaigns will also promote hand hygiene, the elimination of stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes, and the use of biodegradable bags.

Source: l’Express