Residents of Sagua la Grande have taken to social media to highlight the dire condition of a local road, which resembles a scene from a disaster movie. However, it's not the aftermath of an earthquake, but rather a stark indicator of Cuba's crumbling infrastructure. Photographer Ray Saavedra shared images in the Facebook group Revolico de Sagua la Grande Cuba, revealing a road riddled with sunken asphalt, crumbling sections, and gaping potholes. Drivers are forced to navigate this precarious path at a snail's pace, risking vehicle damage and accidents.
The post sparked outrage within the community, amassing nearly 300 comments. "It's truly horrible," one user lamented. Another emphasized, "It's in terrible shape, you can't pass through right now. Hopefully, no accidents happen, because that's when they'll fix it quickly."
Comments ranged from frustration to sarcasm. "If a national hero visits Sagua, they'll fix it immediately... I don’t know how they find the materials, but they do," one person jested. Others described the treacherous journey through the area. "From Corralillo to Quemado, you have to drive at a turtle's pace because the potholes are enormous," another noted.
One resident connected the road's condition to broader issues plaguing the town. "Isabela is a mess with water problems, the road is impassable, and the train service is unreliable. It’ll take a derailment and accident, which I hope never happens, for them to act," they remarked.
Another user's plea encapsulated the community's collective concern: "It’s a huge danger, they've known about it for a long time and do nothing. May God keep all drivers safe," they implored.
A Nation-Wide Issue
The neglect of Isabela's roadways is just a snapshot of a nationwide crisis. Recently, an Instagram account (@losaventurerosgarcia) documented the dangerous state of the Central Highway, particularly between Placetas and Cabaiguán. The travelers struggled on their motorcycle, dodging enormous potholes. "It feels like we're on the worst road in the world," one commented.
In April, a motorcyclist reported the perilous condition of an unfinished bridge on the National Highway between Villa Clara and Cienfuegos, where corroded beams threaten to collapse on speeding vehicles. Meanwhile, in Santiago de Cuba, official statistics reveal nearly 70% of over 6,000 kilometers of provincial roads are in poor condition, despite a 70 million peso budget for maintenance—a sum insufficient to prevent infrastructure collapse.
The government itself has conceded that 75% of Cuba's roads are in substandard or poor technical condition, confirming what countless Cubans endure daily on roads resembling disaster zones. In Sagua la Grande, the road that seems to quake beneath wheels is merely a testament to a nation where roads, like other public services, are sinking into neglect.
Understanding Cuba's Infrastructure Crisis
Why are Cuba's roads in such poor condition?
Cuba's roads are deteriorating due to years of neglect, insufficient maintenance funding, and the impact of economic constraints under the socialist regime.
How do these road conditions affect daily life in Cuba?
Poor road conditions in Cuba pose safety risks, cause vehicle damage, and exacerbate transportation challenges, impacting daily commutes and the transport of goods and services.
What actions are being taken to improve Cuba's roads?
While the government has allocated funds for road maintenance, the resources are insufficient to address the widespread deterioration, leaving many roads in disrepair.