Approximately 40,000 residents in the province of Sancti Spíritus depend on water trucks for their water supply, according to state-run media. This dire situation is attributed to both drought and the irregular water supply caused by power outages, euphemistically referred to as an "energy contingency."
The situation in the municipality is "critical" in several areas, acknowledges Roberto Nápoles Darias, director of the Provincial Water and Sewer Company. About 13,700 residents rely solely on water trucks for their supply.
Trinidad's Water Crisis
In Trinidad, the crisis is particularly severe as its primary water source, San Juan de Letrán, is operating at less than one-third of its capacity, pumping only 20 liters per second instead of its full 95 liters per second. As a result, many areas, especially the historic center, highlands, and popular councils, are without water. Additionally, power outages prevent water from reaching the town from its well battery.
The province has two water treatment plants: Yayabo and Macaguabo. Macaguabo provides water to 62% of the main municipality and Cabaiguán. Both plants suffer from "technological obsolescence," a common issue in the country's public services, exacerbated by unreliable electricity supply.
Efforts are underway to install new pumping equipment in Macaguabo and replace some that have been in use for 20 years, which is expected to improve services in Sancti Spíritus and Cabaiguán. Four new motors have been installed, and three are operational. However, the public remains skeptical. One reader criticized the lack of maintenance, stating, "I can't understand who is making the effort, the Government or the people. The Government did not make the effort. They failed to foresee this and waited 20 years to discover technological obsolescence."
The Yayabo plant, which serves the central area including the park, boulevard, Agramonte, Martí, Máximo Gómez streets, and the southern part of the city, is operating at half its capacity due to drought. Improvements will only be noticeable if it rains.
In response, authorities have initiated a water truck service prioritizing schools and healthcare centers, and later in the evening, the most affected residents. However, details on the frequency, cost, and number of beneficiaries remain unclear. According to one resident, a water truck costs 5,000 pesos ($14.70) in Trinidad.
Poor Water Quality
The problem in Sancti Spíritus is not just the water shortage but also its poor quality. In April, the province saw a rise in cases of acute diarrheal diseases (ADD), which the government attributes to inadequate water supply and treatment. Dr. Yurien Negrín Calvo, deputy director of Epidemiology at the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology, reported an incidence rate of 277.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, with higher rates in Jatibonico, Taguasco, La Sierpe, and the main municipality.
Negrín Calvo also warned that the province's poor sanitary conditions contribute to the increase in diarrheal diseases. This rise in ADD is not limited to Sancti Spíritus; the neighboring province of Ciego de Ávila reported similar issues in March. All municipalities, except Chambas and Bolivia, saw an increase in cases, particularly among children under 15, especially infants under one year old. From January to March, Ciego de Ávila experienced an 86% increase in cases compared to the same period last year.
FAQs About Water Supply Issues in Sancti Spíritus
Here are some frequently asked questions about the ongoing water supply issues and the measures being taken to address them in Sancti Spíritus.
What is causing the water shortage in Sancti Spíritus?
The water shortage in Sancti Spíritus is primarily caused by drought and irregular water supply due to frequent power outages.
How many residents are affected by the water shortage?
Approximately 40,000 residents in Sancti Spíritus are affected and rely on water trucks for their supply.
What measures are being taken to improve the water supply?
Authorities are investing in new pumping equipment and replacing outdated machinery in the Macaguabo plant. Additionally, a water truck service has been initiated to prioritize schools, healthcare centers, and the most affected residents.
What are the health impacts of the poor water quality?
Poor water quality has led to an increase in acute diarrheal diseases, with a significant rise in cases reported in April. This is attributed to inadequate water supply and treatment, as well as poor sanitary conditions.