Starting Monday, November 17, Old Havana's municipal government plans to enforce a new waste collection system where residents and private businesses must transport their trash directly to collection trucks, rather than leaving it on the streets. This decision has sparked irritation, skepticism, and humor among the local population.
The announcement, made via the Facebook page of the Municipal Administration Council, specifies that residents and businesses will need to dispose of their solid waste only when the truck passes by, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
This policy will be implemented in specific areas of the Prado, Plaza Vieja, Belén, San Isidro, Jesús María, and Tallapiedra neighborhoods.
The official statement promotes this as an initiative for a "clean Havana" and celebrates the city's 506th anniversary.
Public Outcry and Criticism
However, the citizens' response was swift and predominantly critical. Yosmany Ogbe Tuá challenged an optimistic comment by questioning the decision's rationale: "Collecting trash from door to door is the government's duty. We shouldn't have to carry it ourselves. What a lack of everything."
Other residents mocked the proposal. Jenny Mosquera sarcastically suggested renaming it "the walk of my trash and me."
“Spoiler alert: it won’t work either,” added Carlos Alb Prieto. Meanwhile, Yuniet Fernández Blanco wondered if people would have to "take a number to dispose of their trash or use an app to book a slot."
Deeper inquiries also arose: "How will elderly individuals without family support manage? Or those living on the third floor?" questioned Ismara Rodríguez, highlighting an oversight in the official announcement.
Failed Attempts and Lingering Challenges
Some users recalled unsuccessful past attempts. Anita Iglesias recounted a similar initiative in Cayo Hueso, where the truck stopped coming after just a few days: "There is no fixer or organization here, and people are becoming increasingly undisciplined and indifferent."
The new "experience" was summed up in one comment: "You need to take folic acid to come up with a logical idea."
Havana faces a severe waste management crisis, with piles of garbage accumulating in the streets, causing unsanitary conditions and public health risks.
Authorities have attempted to conduct clean-up operations, but the lack of resources and ineffective measures have prevented a sustainable solution.
Efforts to Tackle Waste Crisis
Soldiers, officers, and civilian workers from the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) have been leading the so-called "Operation Cleanup," an effort to improve the capital's hygiene conditions.
This military deployment coincides with the launch of "Operation Bell," a pilot program for nighttime garbage collection in areas with underground electric service, as detailed by the Popular Power Municipal Assembly of Centro Habana on Facebook.
Recently, an article in the official Granma newspaper claimed that Cuba's capital is moving towards a smart and sustainable city model through digital tools, efficient resource management, and citizen participation, with technology serving the populace.
However, the publication triggered a wave of criticism, given the stark contrast between official fantasy and the harsh reality faced by Havanans, living in a city whose government struggles to collect trash, provide efficient transportation, or even supply basic medications like paracetamol.
The recent call by the official Cubadebate portal on Facebook to celebrate Havana's 506th anniversary on November 16 unleashed a flood of critical and sarcastic comments from Cubans denouncing the decay, garbage, and collapses that characterize daily life in the capital.
Old Havana's Waste Management Controversy: Questions and Answers
What is the new waste collection system in Old Havana?
Residents and private businesses are required to deliver their trash directly to collection trucks, rather than leaving it on the streets.
When will residents be able to dispose of their trash?
Trash can be disposed of only when the truck passes by, starting at 7:00 p.m.
What are some criticisms of this new initiative?
Critics argue that the government should be responsible for collecting trash from door to door, rather than requiring residents to do so themselves. Concerns have also been raised about the impact on elderly individuals and those living in upper floors.