The end of the year in the city of Matanzas is being overshadowed by severe water supply disruptions, leaving certain areas of the city without water for more than a week.
"Once again, La Playa in Matanzas is without water," reported official journalist Roberto Pérez Betancourt, who resides in this popular neighborhood of the city.
"Over the phone, they inform us that only two pumps are operational. No one clarifies what happened to the frequently broken pump number one, which used to ensure the necessary pressure. Later, they mentioned having three small pumps for alternating the supply. Today, they say they only have two," he explained.
Additional complaints surfaced on Facebook within the Matanzas Provincial Government group.
"Who do we blame for the fact that Matanzas East hasn't had a drop of water for a week? You call the water company, and they blame the electricity, while the people suffer as always from the incompetence of the leaders. I don't understand the recognition they received because Matanzas is in a terrible state. Solve the problems because we're worse off than ever," demanded Yahima Jiménez Nuñez.
Despite the public outcry, no official sources have yet provided explanations for the shortage, which has become a frequent issue for the residents of Matanzas.
In October, videos circulated on social media showing residents from various neighborhoods resorting to sewers and drainage channels to obtain water for cooking, bathing, or cleaning purposes.
In one of these clips, shared by user @paquitovlogs777 on Instagram, a group of people can be seen filling buckets and bottles from an unsanitary ditch, with others warning that "there is no other choice left."
"The water shortage has become so critical that people have to turn to sewers to access this essential resource," the creator noted in his viral post, tagged with #Cuba #Today.
Understanding the Water Supply Crisis in Matanzas
What areas in Matanzas are affected by the water shortage?
The water shortage has primarily affected areas like La Playa and Matanzas East, among others.
How are residents coping with the lack of water?
Residents have been forced to use sewers and drainage channels to collect water for daily necessities such as cooking and bathing.
Has the government provided any solutions to the water crisis?
As of now, no official statements or solutions have been offered by the government regarding the water supply issues in Matanzas.