A Cuban government initiative to house victims of Hurricane Oscar in container homes in Guantánamo has sparked widespread outrage and criticism on social media. Citizens are voicing concerns over the precariousness and potential hazards of these structures given the extreme weather conditions in eastern Cuba, characterized by scorching sun, frequent thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall.
"Metal is remarkably suited for this climate. These new homes are a masterpiece of Cuban engineering," one Facebook user sarcastically remarked. It wasn't long before the community dubbed the new settlement "the microwave," referencing the sweltering temperatures these uninsulated and poorly ventilated containers can reach.
One user questioned whether the government plans to install eco-friendly air conditioners "that don't need electricity because there's none 90% of the time." Another Cuban commented, "That's disrespectful... these poor people will roast with all these blackouts," while someone joked, "The cooking time for those living there is 45 minutes."
Reactions weren't solely sarcastic. There were numerous concerns about the electrical risks these metal-walled homes could pose in a region prone to storms and lightning. "When it starts to thunder, they'll need to leave the containers or ground them," one user warned. Others questioned why such accommodations aren't reserved for high-ranking officials: "I'd like to see a leader living there at noon without electricity."
Temporary Solution or Lasting Problem?
The plan was introduced as a "temporary" solution. Authorities claim each unit will include two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and bathroom, and will be protected against corrosion. However, details regarding climate control or thermal insulation—crucial for making these metal structures livable in the Cuban climate—have not been provided.
Housing Crisis in Cuba
Photos from Buena Vista, a community in San Antonio del Sur, showcase these makeshift homes being set up in a province where temperatures can exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade. In October 2024, a cyclone devastated over 13,000 homes in Guantánamo. Major General Ramón Pardo Guerra, Chief of the National Civil Defense Staff, visited the site on September 22, 2025, to monitor the progress of the initiative.
A total of 60 recycled containers are planned, with only 23 currently being installed. The goal was to complete two modules per day, but images suggest a slower pace than planned. State companies such as Génedis, Muebles Imperio, Valbo, Cedai, the Provincial Housing Directorate, and the Ministry of Construction—known for failing to meet their plans for over a decade—are in charge of the project.
A Band-Aid on the Housing Collapse
While repurposing containers as homes isn't unheard of globally, it's typically done in developed nations under strict habitability standards, including thermal insulation, climate control, and appropriate interior design. Such standards appear absent in the Cuban scenario.
Social media users largely agree that this measure is yet another instance of the Cuban people being forced to accept "slapdash" solutions amid a severe crisis of resources, materials, and electricity. Some defend the idea of recycling containers, noting that similar homes exist worldwide, but many emphasize that those examples involve investment, planning, and minimum living conditions—a stark contrast to the situation on the island.
The government claims this is a "creative" alternative to address the destruction caused by the hurricane, but many see it as another indicator of the housing system's collapse in Cuba. "With freedom, Cubans wouldn't be treated like slaves. Only in Cuba can putting people in metal cans without electricity or a future be called a 'solution'," one user concluded.
Understanding the Container Housing Controversy in Cuba
Why are container homes in Guantánamo generating criticism?
The criticism stems from concerns over the safety and habitability of these metal structures in Cuba's extreme weather, including high temperatures and frequent storms, without proper insulation or climate control.
What are the main concerns of the local population?
Residents are worried about the risk of overheating, lack of electricity, and potential electrical hazards due to thunderstorms, alongside doubts about the government's commitment to providing adequate living conditions.
How is the government responding to these criticisms?
The government has labeled the initiative as a temporary solution and assures that the containers will be equipped with basic amenities, though specifics about necessary insulation and climate control remain unclear.