On Friday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel marked Builder's Day in Cuba with a post on the social network X, calling for efforts to "build, rebuild, and beautify" the nation, which he described as being "mercilessly battered" for six decades.
Instead of acknowledging the government's role in the significant decline of Cuba's urban landscape and the rise in extreme poverty, Díaz-Canel once again pointed fingers at the "external enemy."
"Given all we need to build, rebuild, and beautify in our homeland, which has been mercilessly battered by six decades of blockade and severe cyclones, we thank the builders for their hard work and greet them on their day. Uphold quality and beauty. Cuba deserves it," the leader stated.
This message starkly contrasts with the dire situation of the construction sector on the island, which ended the first quarter of 2025 with an alarming setback. Out of the 10,795 planned homes, only 1,344 were completed, amounting to just 12.4% of the annual plan.
For over a decade, the government has failed to meet its housing construction targets, a crisis exacerbated by each hurricane that strikes the island. Hurricane Melissa, in October, left thousands of families homeless, and the regime has yet to address the crisis. Many victims of previous cyclones in Pinar del Río and eastern Cuba still lack homes even after a decade.
The primary reasons for the collapse of the sector include a shortage of cement, labor, construction materials, lack of investment, and the stalling of the national industry.
Despite the disastrous outcomes, René Mesa Villafaña, the Minister of Construction, remains in his position without any announced structural changes or accountability. His only notable success has been in efficiently managing the construction of luxury hotels in Cuba, which continue to operate with very low occupancy rates.
Official statements echo old promises of "greater efficiency" and "innovation," while thousands of Cubans continue to live among rubble, in homes on the verge of collapse, or without a roof altogether.
Understanding Cuba's Construction Crisis
What are the main challenges facing Cuba's construction sector?
Cuba's construction sector faces several challenges, including shortages of cement, labor, and construction materials, a lack of investment, and the stalling of the national industry.
How has the Cuban government responded to the housing crisis?
The Cuban government has struggled to meet housing construction targets, and despite repeated promises of improvement, many residents remain without adequate housing following natural disasters.
What impact have hurricanes had on Cuba's housing situation?
Hurricanes have significantly worsened the housing crisis in Cuba, leaving thousands homeless and exacerbating the government's failure to meet construction goals.