Fifteen electric vehicles have been added to Havana's funeral service fleet, according to the Ministry of Transport (Mitrans). This announcement was made during an official tour by President Miguel Díaz-Canel on Wednesday, as he visited several locations around the capital.
The new vehicles were showcased at the Mitrans marketing center, Axess, situated in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality, as reported by the Presidential Office's website.
Oscar Carvajal Serrano, the general director of Mitrans' Automotive Business Group, stated that these vehicles are equipped with the necessary technical features for electric recharging. This can be done through conventional means or via solar panels installed at the base.
This fleet is specifically dedicated to the funeral services within the capital city.
Back in June, an electric hearse was introduced in the municipality of Placetas, located in Villa Clara.
The introduction of these vehicles occurs amidst a persistent collapse of funeral services in Cuba, plagued by issues such as the lack of maintenance of hearses, fuel shortages, insufficient materials for making coffins, and poor management.
In various provinces, there have been reports of significant delays, makeshift transportation solutions, and scenes depicting the severe degradation of this essential service.
Recent months have seen serious incidents, such as coffins falling out of vehicles on public roads and corpses left unattended for hours, sparking outrage and highlighting the lack of dignity even in death.
The deployment of this new fleet contrasts sharply with the reality faced by many Cuban families outside of Havana, who continue to struggle with the inability to bid farewell to their deceased with even basic dignity.
In a recent move, the government announced the rehabilitation of crematoriums and funeral homes in Havana, including equipment repairs at the Santiago de las Vegas and Guanabacoa crematoriums, as well as improvements in 22 of the capital's 24 funeral homes.
Electric Hearses and Funeral Services in Cuba
What is the significance of introducing electric vehicles for funeral services in Havana?
The introduction of electric vehicles aims to modernize and improve funeral services in Havana amidst challenges like vehicle maintenance issues and fuel shortages.
How are these electric hearses powered?
The electric hearses can be recharged using conventional methods or solar panels installed at their base.
Are there similar initiatives in other parts of Cuba?
While an electric hearse was introduced in Placetas, Villa Clara, most provinces continue to face severe challenges in providing dignified funeral services.