Today's everyday sight in Central Havana resembles a scene straight out of a horror film. At the corner of Belascoaín and San Miguel, a dilapidated building is not only accumulating garbage but also poses a grave risk of collapsing. Alarmingly, there are no signs or barriers warning of the imminent danger.
Carlos Espinosa Betancourt took to the Facebook group Maravilloso Malecón to share his alarming observations, accompanied by striking images. He described the scene as “apocalyptic,” likening it to a “zombie” movie set. Photographer Marta Rojas further emphasized the scale of neglect through her powerful captures.
The perilous condition of the building has been a persistent issue for several years, with the passage of time only exacerbating the danger. The combination of trash, debris, and structural decay transforms the building into a public hazard, evident to all yet seemingly ignored by local authorities.
The Long-Standing Neglect
Back in February 2020, the state-run media highlighted a complaint made by Elvira López Pena in Juventud Rebelde's Acuse de Recibo section. She voiced her concerns about the building's structural hazards to pedestrians and vehicles traversing the area.
“Buses like the P9 and P6 routes and heavy trucks that cause the street to vibrate travel along Belascoaín,” she pointed out, expressing worry over the potential dangers these vibrations pose.
It's worth recalling the tragic incident in 2020 when three children, aged between 10 and 11, tragically lost their lives after a balcony collapsed on them at the intersection of Revillagigedo and Vives streets in the Jesús María neighborhood. This tragedy not only devastated the families and local community but also resonated with Cubans both on and off the island.
Understanding the Risks of Havana's Infrastructure
What is the current state of the building at Belascoaín and San Miguel?
The building is in a state of severe disrepair, accumulating garbage and posing a significant risk of collapse without any warning signs or barriers.
Who has raised concerns about the building's condition?
Concerns have been raised by Carlos Espinosa Betancourt and photographer Marta Rojas, as well as Elvira López Pena in 2020 through Juventud Rebelde's Acuse de Recibo section.
What was the tragic incident related to infrastructure issues in 2020?
In 2020, three children died when a balcony collapsed on them at the intersection of Revillagigedo and Vives streets.