A group of Havana residents has publicly voiced their frustration through a television report, revealing they have been without water for over a month, despite promises of delivery via water trucks. During a segment on Canal Habana this past Friday, the residents expressed their anger over the lack of effective solutions and the failure to provide this essential service.
According to those affected, while hospitals, bakeries, and schools receive priority for water delivery, residential areas, particularly high-rise buildings and outlying communities, remain without supply. "We are in a critical situation," one interviewee stated, visibly frustrated by the need to carry buckets of water under difficult conditions. "It's been over 30 days since a truck came. This is a tall building—by the time you go up and down with a bucket and wait in line, what do you get?" questioned a woman.
The broadcast highlighted that only about 80 water trucks are operational daily, whereas over 170 are needed to meet the demands of the capital. Shortages of tires, oil, and diesel exacerbate the crisis, leaving thousands of families waiting for a service that never arrives.
Residents also accused the authorities of allowing irregularities in distribution, noting that while they wait for weeks, private restaurants and businesses receive water deliveries more promptly. "How is it that there's no water for the population, but there is for private restaurants?" another Havana resident questioned on camera.
Hydraulic authorities responded by stating that there are control mechanisms and penalties to prevent the misuse of water trucks, yet the public testimonies reveal deep-seated distrust among citizens. The report, rather than soothing tensions, highlighted the disconnect between official rhetoric and the daily reality faced by Cubans, who are caught in a basic services crisis that has exhausted the patience of many.
On social media, complaints about illegal water sales and favoritism have surged, feeding widespread discontent. Weeks earlier, dozens of Cubans took to the streets of Centro Habana to demand immediate solutions to the potable water shortage affecting thousands of families in the capital. The protest, which occurred on the busy Reina Street, was documented by social media users with videos and images showing numerous residents blocking the street with buckets, tanks, and empty containers, protesting the days without service.
The National Institute of Water Resources itself acknowledged that "the water supply in the country is in a critical state." Its president, Antonio Rodríguez, cited drought and pump system failures, worsened by power outages, as the root causes of the issues. Official figures indicate that approximately 248,000 people in Cuba lack a regular water supply, while in eastern provinces like Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Ciego de Ávila, around 860,000 citizens face severe restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Water Crisis
What are the main causes of the water shortage in Cuba?
The main causes of the water shortage in Cuba are drought conditions and failures in the pump systems, which are further exacerbated by frequent power outages.
How many people are affected by the water supply issues in Cuba?
Approximately 248,000 people in Cuba lack a regular water supply, while around 860,000 citizens in eastern provinces face severe restrictions.
What actions have residents taken in response to the water crisis?
Residents have taken to the streets in protest, particularly in Centro Habana, where they have blocked streets with containers to demand immediate solutions to the water shortage.