In a bold protest, a group of Cuban mothers took to the streets of Regla, a municipality in Havana, to express their frustration over the ongoing water shortage that has plagued their community for months. The renowned X user, San Memero, shared that these mothers from "Calzada Vieja between C and D in Regla" formed a human barricade alongside their children, using various objects to block the roads.
According to the mothers, it has been over three months since they last received water through their pipes, despite a series of unfulfilled promises from authorities. A video shared online shows the mothers in a tense exchange with motorcyclists attempting to pass, to whom they assert, "It's not your fault." However, they direct their frustration towards the government, claiming, "They do nothing."
Sources close to the protesters told Cibercuba that the women from the Unión neighborhood were driven to protest due to the apparent indifference of municipal institutions. During this prolonged crisis, which has severely impacted areas already struggling with water issues, authorities dispatched a single water truck and informed residents that the problem is insoluble.
"The Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), the government, and both municipal and provincial water utilities are aware of this," one source confirmed. They also noted that, following the demonstration, officials have begun to make new promises to the mothers.
A Million Cubans Endure Water Shortages
Just days ago, Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez, the president of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH), acknowledged that approximately one million Cubans are experiencing daily water supply disruptions. These are attributed to the energy crisis, a lack of material resources, and persistent drought conditions. The official indicated that around 300,000 individuals are without water due to equipment failures, with the total number of affected rising to a million when factoring in power outages, fuel shortages, and distribution system breakdowns.
In an effort to mitigate the situation, the INRH, in collaboration with the Electric Union, attempted to secure power for 486 critical pumping stations. However, they were only able to ensure operation for 37% of them, as fully energizing these stations would exacerbate power outages in other parts of the country.
Other Water Crisis Reports
This week, it also came to light that over a hundred families in the community of Lagunilla, located in the province of Cienfuegos, have been without access to potable water for seven years. This dire situation disproportionately affects children and the elderly and has left residents feeling abandoned and frustrated, despite their exhaustive attempts to seek institutional assistance. A video released by CubaNet captures several residents describing the daily struggles they face in obtaining water for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene, and caring for their children.
Understanding Cuba's Water Crisis
What prompted the Cuban mothers to protest in Regla?
The mothers in Regla protested due to enduring more than three months without water and receiving empty promises from local authorities.
How many Cubans are affected by the water shortage?
Approximately one million Cubans face daily water supply issues, with 300,000 directly impacted by equipment failures and others affected by power outages and infrastructure problems.
What challenges do residents of Lagunilla face regarding water access?
Residents of Lagunilla have been without potable water for seven years, leading to significant hardships, particularly for children and the elderly, as they struggle to secure water for basic needs.