The water crisis in Cuba has escalated to alarming levels, with over three million people currently experiencing either a complete or partial lack of this essential resource nationwide, according to official data broadcasted by national television on Monday. Despite being a persistent issue over recent years, the Cuban government's inaction has left more than 3,100,000 island residents without adequate water supply, as reported by the Television News.
This staggering figure accounts for approximately 30 percent of Cuba's total population of 9,740,000, as per the latest statistics from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI). The authorities attribute this failure to ensure water supply to three main factors: drought, energy shortages, and malfunctioning water pumping equipment.
Reservoirs are currently holding 1,790 million cubic meters below average levels. Although rainfall predictions for September and October forecast amounts exceeding historical averages, they will not compensate for the deficits from the previous four months, warned Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez, president of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH).
The Impact of Drought on Cuban Citizens
According to the report, more than 900,000 people are directly impacted by drought conditions. This number represents less than a third of those lacking access to water, suggesting that ongoing power outages, malfunctioning pumping equipment, and deteriorating water infrastructure account for the remaining shortfalls.
To alleviate the water shortage, over 300 emergency projects are being implemented in the most affected provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín. Despite these efforts, INRH President Rodríguez acknowledged that the completion of these projects is often delayed, leading to public dissatisfaction in the affected areas.
Efforts and Challenges in Addressing the Water Crisis
Efforts to repair broken pumping machinery are underway in hydraulic system workshops, with assistance from the Union of Military Industry and the Ministries of Energy and Mines and Industry. Additionally, the government has introduced photovoltaic technologies for water pumping, with over 800 such installations in place. According to Junior González Núñez, the first vice president of Water and Sanitation at the INRH, these systems are "reliable," "safe," and provide a sustainable water supply using clean energy.
Despite this critical situation affecting millions across Cuba, the official claimed, "As long as there is a ray of sunshine... we can ensure water for the people." However, the 30 operational solar parks in Cuba, generating approximately 600 megawatts per day, do not effectively address the energy crisis, as they fail to support the faltering National Electric System, which relies heavily on outdated thermoelectric plants and imported fuel.
Daily Struggles for Access to Water
Meanwhile, millions of Cubans struggle daily to secure a few liters of water to meet their most basic needs. A viral image circulating on social media epitomizes the severity of the crisis: a line of empty plastic tanks in Santiago de Cuba, waiting for a water tanker to arrive.
In this eastern municipality, the government has implemented a new water distribution cycle, delivering water to homes every 38 days due to reduced flow to the Quintero water treatment plant. The desperation for water has also led to increased thefts and resource diversion, impacting entire communities. In Omaja, Las Tunas, illegal connections to the water supply network have been discovered in private homes, and irregular supply to state livestock, lagoons, and even an agricultural cooperative has been reported.
Prolonged power outages and equipment breakdowns have further complicated water supply in Havana, especially during the past week, marked by widespread blackouts. With mounting frustration over the dire living conditions—lack of electricity, potable water, and cooking gas, among other shortages—many Cubans have taken to the streets to demand solutions from authorities. The latest protest occurred this past weekend in Gibara, Holguín.
The Cuban population, enduring daily power and water cuts, increasingly views the situation as a consequence of decades of negligence, poor governance, and a lack of investment in the national energy system.
Understanding Cuba's Water Crisis
What factors are contributing to the water shortage in Cuba?
The water shortage in Cuba is attributed to drought, energy shortages, and malfunctioning water pumping equipment, as reported by government authorities.
How are Cuban authorities addressing the water crisis?
Authorities are implementing over 300 emergency projects, repairing broken machinery, and installing photovoltaic systems for water pumping to address the crisis.
What impact does the water crisis have on daily life in Cuba?
Millions of Cubans face daily struggles to secure water, impacting their ability to meet basic needs and leading to increased thefts and diversion of resources.