Amidst the ongoing water distribution crisis following Hurricane Melissa, two water tanker drivers in Bayamo have been apprehended for conducting illegal water sales.
This development was revealed on Monday during the Provincial Defense Council (CDP) meeting, as reported by local media on Facebook.
"Two water tankers (pipas) have been detained for illegal water sales in the city of Bayamo, during a challenging distribution period for this essential resource," stated a post from CMKX Radio Bayamo.
The CDP announced that an investigation would be conducted within 24 hours to address all violations related to the organization, allocation, and distribution of water in Bayamo.
Authorities are reportedly exploring "ways and alternatives to enhance potable water coverage in the provincial capital and the most affected municipalities."
Water Supply Crisis in Bayamo
Last week, efforts were made to reactivate the El Almirante well filling station in Bayamo to bolster water supply via tankers, prioritizing evacuation centers and areas experiencing service disruptions due to the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
The Provincial Aqueduct Company of Granma announced on Facebook the operational restart of this critical water source in the Granma capital, aiming to ensure supply to evacuation centers and the most vulnerable social cases.
The company stated that this initiative seeks to maintain service "vitality" as systems affected by Melissa’s rains and flooding are restored.
Simultaneously, work crews are conducting cleaning and maintenance operations at the Barrio Azul supported tank and Guisa's hydraulic facilities to expand distribution capacity in the province, as mentioned in another social media post.
Despite these measures, dissatisfaction among Bayamo residents continues due to the persistent lack of water in numerous neighborhoods.
The Business of Water Tanker Sales
The practice of selling water tankers is prevalent on the island amid the ongoing water scarcity crisis.
Recently, residents in several Matanzas neighborhoods reported that the shortage of potable water has turned into a business, forcing them to pay thousands of pesos for a tanker to meet their needs, while supply cuts last for weeks and months, with alleged valve manipulations and unresolved equipment and supply failures.
Understanding Bayamo's Water Supply Challenges
Why were water tanker drivers detained in Bayamo?
The drivers were detained for selling water illegally during a period of severe distribution challenges following Hurricane Melissa.
What actions are being taken to improve water distribution in Bayamo?
Authorities are exploring alternatives to enhance potable water coverage, including reactivating water sources and maintaining distribution systems.
How does the water scarcity affect residents in Matanzas?
Residents report being compelled to pay high prices for water tankers due to prolonged supply cuts, alleged valve manipulations, and unresolved equipment failures.