In the municipality of Marianao, Havana, over 27,000 residents are enduring severe hardships due to the lack of water supply, inefficient garbage collection, and frequent power outages. Many describe the situation as an ongoing humanitarian crisis. "We've been 36 days without water; supposedly, we will get a water truck today," a local resident complained on national TV, as reported by state journalist Gisela García Rivero. She highlighted the compounded issues: "It's the water, the trash, the electricity... If it was just one, it would be manageable, but it's all of them together."
Another community member emphasized, "The most serious issue is the garbage, which gets collected every 30 days. Once they handle the trash, the diseases will stop." These neighborhoods are experiencing a rise in febrile illnesses, including dengue and chikungunya, worsened by the unsanitary conditions.
Moreover, there’s a shortage of medical supplies at the local clinic, according to accounts in the same report. Yudelsy Díaz, the superintendent of Marianao, acknowledged that waste collection is one of the most pressing issues in the area. She admitted that the service lacks consistency and that there is also "a lot of social indiscipline."
While the government is pushing for cleanup campaigns, they lament the lack of citizen involvement. Residents express their frustration over the endless hours without power, the absence of water, and their inability to protest.
Government Criticism and Lack of Action
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed the issue on Monday, pointing out the lack of citizen participation in a cleanup initiative organized by the regime. During a meeting with top officials, he criticized that in several Havana municipalities, "no one came out to work on garbage collection." He questioned, “In Diez de Octubre, Playa, La Lisa... no work was done. Are there no delegates there? No political coordinators? Then they should all come and report back," as reported by official media.
Despite collecting over 35,000 cubic meters of trash as part of the operation, more than 1,000 districts remain uncleaned, highlighting the absence of a sustainable plan for the city's sanitation. The regime often blames the public for the crisis, deflecting from its inability to ensure regular waste collection.
FAQs on the Crisis in Marianao, Havana
What are the main issues faced by Marianao residents?
Residents are dealing with a lack of water supply, insufficient garbage collection, and frequent power outages, which they describe as a humanitarian crisis.
What health concerns are prevalent in Marianao due to these conditions?
Due to unsanitary conditions, there is an increase in febrile illnesses, including dengue and chikungunya.
How is the government responding to the waste collection issue?
The government has initiated cleanup campaigns but criticizes the lack of public participation. Despite efforts, many areas remain uncleaned, showing a lack of a sustainable sanitation plan.