On Monday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel declared that the government will focus on directing water resources to the most impacted areas amidst a nationwide water shortage affecting hundreds of thousands. "Who has been without water for 30 days? Those people must receive it first. We'll normalize the supply gradually, but initially, we must prioritize those hardest hit," Díaz-Canel stated during a meeting in Havana with high-ranking officials from the state, government, and Communist Party.
Inés María Chapman, the vice president, provided statistics indicating that in Havana alone, 156,725 individuals are experiencing water scarcity due to distribution network failures and tanker truck supply issues. Between October 3rd and 6th, the number of people affected was reduced by 111,023 after 119 additional tankers were deployed, 47 more than previously available.
Chapman emphasized that the water deficit is showing "a trend towards gradual reduction," attributed to infrastructure repairs, especially on the main pipelines and pumping systems, which have been severely affected by the ongoing electrical crisis.
Infrastructure Investment Without Transparency
The Cuban regime claims to be undertaking over 300 hydraulic infrastructure projects nationwide, with an estimated investment of five billion pesos, yet details regarding the specific regions benefitting or the breakdown of these investments have not been disclosed.
In an interview with Canal Caribe, the president of the National Institute of Water Resources (INRH), engineer Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez, acknowledged that over 400,000 individuals remain affected by drought, particularly in the provinces of Holguín, Ciego de Ávila, Las Tunas, and Camagüey.
Recent rains have led to partial recovery of some key reservoirs, like Gilbert and Gota Blanca in Santiago de Cuba, and Faustino Pérez and La Yaya in Guantánamo, though the overall system deterioration remains largely unmitigated.
Major Cities Struggling with Water Shortages
In Santiago de Cuba, efforts are underway at the Northwest System's Quintero Water Treatment Plant, which serves 80% of the urban population. The work involves replacing shut-off valves, fixing leaks of up to 25 liters per second, and maintaining the Quintero-City and Micro 9 pipelines.
Meanwhile, over 184,000 people in Havana continue to lack stable water access. An emergency plan aims to alleviate the situation through tanker truck distribution. Engineer Leonardo Soto Romero, an INRH delegate in the capital, noted that operations currently utilize 11 intakes and 13 dispensers, with plans to establish up to 30 loading points to enhance supply.
Technical Failures, Power Outages, and Alleged Sabotage
Official media attribute many of the issues to pump system failures, often caused by electrical discharges. Additionally, there have been reports of "illegal acts" against the main pipeline of the El Gato system in Mayabeque, though details remain unspecified.
Vice Prime Minister Chapman acknowledged the complexity of the situation over the weekend, calling for an effective integration of the hydraulic and electrical systems, as water supply relies on between 4 and 24 hours of continuous electricity to reach homes.
The government asserts it has a strategy to tackle the crisis, but has not released specific data regarding budget utilization or solution timelines, leaving public frustration to mount in the absence of clear answers.
Understanding Cuba's Water Crisis
What steps is the Cuban government taking to address the water crisis?
The Cuban government is prioritizing water distribution to the most affected areas and is undertaking infrastructure repairs. They claim to be involved in over 300 hydraulic projects across the country.
How many people are currently affected by the water shortage in Havana?
In Havana, approximately 156,725 people are suffering from water scarcity due to failures in the distribution network and tanker truck supply issues.
What are the main causes of the water crisis in Cuba?
The crisis is primarily caused by infrastructure failures, exacerbated by electrical issues, and a prolonged drought affecting various provinces.