Amidst a severe water shortage crisis in Matanzas province, exacerbated by pump failures and the ongoing energy crisis, the local state-run newspaper, Girón, has documented the hardships faced by residents to access essential water supplies. A photo report by Raúl Navarro captures the struggle: long lines to fill containers, lengthy treks carrying heavy jugs, and small collections of water wherever possible are vividly depicted in the images.
In his series, aptly named "The Water Games"—a nod to the film "The Hunger Games"—Navarro showcases the determination etched on the faces of those who battle daily for water. "In Matanzas, accessing water has become a daily contest, a quiet act of endurance," he acknowledged.
The photo story reveals stark images: elderly individuals hauling water gallons, empty bottles and tanks, and even people bathing in the streets when a leak is discovered, taking advantage of any opportunity to gather water.
Infrastructure Challenges and Energy Crisis
Matanzas is grappling with one of its most severe water supply crises in recent years. Despite being a region rich in underground water reserves, it faces non-functional pump systems, collapsed water networks, frequent blackouts, and an overwhelmed infrastructure. The province has 225 pumping units, but many are either inactive or malfunctioning, affecting areas from San Carlos in Jovellanos to Canímar 3 (Matanzas), San José de los Ramos (Colón), Fructuoso Rodríguez (Limonar), Manuelito (Pedro Betancourt), and the Zapata Swamp.
Moreover, towns like Pedro Betancourt, Unión de Reyes, Bolondrón, Jovellanos, Colón, and the Ciénaga de Zapata are struggling with minimal water output. The energy crisis further complicates matters, restricting operations of the water systems to just four or five hours a day, when they should run at least 16 hours. Additionally, once power is restored, it can take up to four more hours for systems to stabilize.
Temporary Solutions and Long-Term Needs
One temporary solution proposed by the regime is the distribution of water via tankers. However, this measure is hampered by "distribution route issues" and falls short of addressing the underlying structural problems. Residents express that what they truly need is a reliable water service through the aqueduct, necessitating significant improvements in pumping and water network infrastructure.
Matanzas Water Crisis: Questions and Answers
What are the main causes of the water crisis in Matanzas?
The main causes of the water crisis in Matanzas include pump failures, a collapsed water network, frequent power outages, and an overburdened infrastructure.
How are residents coping with the water shortage in Matanzas?
Residents cope by standing in long lines to fill containers, carrying heavy jugs over long distances, and gathering water from leaks or small collections when available.
What temporary solutions have been proposed to address the water crisis?
The government has proposed distributing water via tankers, but this is insufficient due to distribution route issues and does not solve the core infrastructure problems.