A Cuban citizen has voiced frustration over the prolonged detention of his vehicle, imported from the United States, which has been held at the SEDAL company in Wajay since August 28. Despite fulfilling all necessary tariff payments, authorities have neither provided a clear explanation nor released the car.
"Every time I call, I get a different story, and when I go there in person, it's something else entirely," stated the frustrated owner in a message to independent journalist Mario J. Pentón, who then shared the account on social media.
"I'm at a loss; the cars are deteriorating under the sun and rain, and there are around 600 vehicles stuck there," he added.
The individual claims to have reached out to multiple institutions, including Citizen Services and the Ministry of Transport, without receiving any answers. This issue, he notes, is affecting dozens of Cubans who have sent vehicles to the island, only to encounter the same bureaucratic standstill.
Widespread Issue with No Official Response
Recent reports from CiberCuba highlight that hundreds of imported cars are stuck for months in state-run ports and warehouses, such as those in Mariel and Transimport, suffering from decay and vulnerability to corruption.
Those affected report that certain employees demand extra fees ranging from 500 to 2,000 dollars to release the vehicles. Others have recounted instances of missing parts, theft, and vandalism.
So far, no Cuban authority has offered a public explanation or a timeline for the release of these vehicles, which have been in the country for months.
The vehicles continue to degrade under the sun, becoming a symbol of the inefficiency and impunity that plague Cuba's import system.
Understanding Cuba's Importation Challenges
Why are imported cars being held in Cuba?
Imported cars in Cuba are often held due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and potential demands for extra payments by some employees. This has resulted in prolonged detentions without clear explanations.
What actions are being taken by affected Cuban citizens?
Affected individuals have reached out to various governmental institutions, such as Citizen Services and the Ministry of Transport, yet they have not received satisfactory responses.
Have Cuban authorities addressed the issue of detained vehicles?
As of now, Cuban authorities have not provided a public explanation or a delivery timeline for the detained vehicles, leaving many owners frustrated.