In the Jesús María neighborhood of Old Havana, the streets are overwhelmed by sewage water, uncollected trash piles, and a pervasive stench, as recent videos shared by local residents on social media reveal.
These recordings, posted on Facebook by the page DiSa, which focuses on documenting everyday life in Cuba, highlight the severe sanitary decline in one of the most densely populated and impoverished areas of Old Havana.
The footage captures massive heaps of garbage strewn across public streets, alongside stagnant sewage flooding entire sections of the road.
In one particular video, filmed at a residential corner, a towering pile of household waste and debris is seen piled up next to visibly deteriorating homes.
The creator of the video warns of fire hazards, noting that trash at that same location has previously been set ablaze, a common occurrence due to the prolonged absence of waste collection services.
The second video showcases pools of sewage mixed with garbage, forcing pedestrians and motorcyclists to navigate through the contaminated muck.
The voiceover identifies the source of the overflow as overflowing cesspits, indicating the collapse of the area's sewage system.
Neighbors and online commenters describe the situation as a constant threat to public health and criticize the authorities' lack of action.
Both local residents and Cubans abroad agree in the comments that similar scenes are common across many neighborhoods in the capital, with no consistent response from municipal services.
The mix of uncollected trash, exposed sewage, and crumbling buildings creates a breeding ground for disease, in a context already plagued by recurring outbreaks of vector-borne viruses and a shortage of basic hygiene resources.
Rather than being an isolated incident, the garbage and sanitation crisis in Havana has become emblematic of the broader collapse of public services affecting other cities and towns across the country.
Even Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz has admitted that the government “does not see results” despite declared efforts, as garbage trucks remain out of commission and the burden falls, without resources or support, on an exhausted populace.
This deterioration is compounded by ongoing outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya, diseases linked to the proliferation of micro-dumps and standing water.
The image of an abandoned capital, likened by Cubans themselves to Cairo's “City of Garbage,” underscores a deeper failure: in Cuba, trash does not produce income or recycling, but rather illness, poverty, and despair, under a state unable to ensure even the most basic sanitary conditions.
Public Health Risks from Waste and Sewage in Havana
What are the main public health concerns in Jesús María due to uncollected waste?
The main public health concerns include the risk of disease outbreaks such as dengue and chikungunya, which are associated with stagnant water and unsanitary conditions. The presence of uncollected waste also increases the likelihood of fires and the spread of other infectious diseases.
How have residents responded to the sanitation issues in Old Havana?
Residents have voiced their concerns through social media, sharing videos that document the unsanitary conditions. They have criticized the authorities for inaction and have resorted to burning trash in some cases due to the lack of waste collection services.
What has the government said about the waste management crisis in Havana?
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz has acknowledged the issue, stating that the government has not seen results from its efforts. Despite this, garbage trucks remain non-operational, and there is no effective plan in place to address the crisis.