Cuban actor Luis Alberto García Novoa has once again underscored the collapse of essential services in Cuba by publicly exposing a massive potable water leak in Havana.
In a video shared on his Facebook account, García Novoa illustrated how a continuous stream floods the sidewalk and 9th Street, between 146 and 130, close to the Convention Palace, eventually disappearing towards 5th Avenue.
He wittily dubbed the leak "Río Palacio," emphasizing the wastage of "pure and crystal-clear potable water" that flows unchecked "day after day."
In his commentary, García Novoa directly challenged Havana's Water Company and local authorities, highlighting that while water is squandered without restraint at this site, "a vast number of Cubans are living with no access to drinking water."
With a touch of sarcasm, he depicted the severity of the issue by suggesting that only fish and feed are missing to "contribute as a neighborhood to the Food Program," referring to the way water flows like a permanent river.
Shifting to a more earnest tone, he pleaded, "We beg on our knees for this distortion to be corrected."
The video displays how water covers the sidewalk, streams down the street, and vanishes from sight, while residents in the area endure the wastefulness.
The actor's revelation sparked an outpouring of reactions from neighbors and users, confirming that this scene is not an isolated incident but part of a widespread deterioration of the hydraulic system in Havana and across the nation.
A resident from El Vedado expressed frustration: "It's infuriating to see potable water wasted in one place while so many others haven't seen a drop in months."
From Cojímar, another user noted: "We've lost count of how many days it's been since we last had water."
A historian summed up the collective sentiment, saying resources are squandered on "speeches, marches, and slogans" while real issues—garbage dumps, leaks, sewage—are left unresolved.
Another Habanera was more forthright: "The whole city is like this, full of potable water leaks and sewage spills. Many years of neglect have led to this collapse. How sad my Havana, how sad my Cuba."
García's complaint points not only to a specific leak but to a systemic failure: a hydraulic network ravaged by decades of neglect, poor planning, and lack of genuine investment.
While the regime persists with triumphant narratives, the stark reality is that essential services like water, electricity, and trash collection are teetering on the brink of collapse nationwide.
The stark contrast between the visible waste in central areas and the drought affecting entire neighborhoods for weeks or months reveals a chaotic and deeply unequal management.
The water crisis is yet another symptom of the crumbling economic model that cannot sustain the daily lives of its citizens.
Understanding Havana's Water Crisis
What did Luis Alberto García Novoa highlight in his video?
Luis Alberto García Novoa highlighted a massive leak of potable water in Havana, emphasizing the waste of clean water while many residents lack access to it.
Why is the water leak significant for Havana residents?
The water leak is significant because it represents a broader issue of neglected infrastructure and resource mismanagement, which leaves many residents without access to essential services.
How have Havana residents reacted to the water leak?
Residents have expressed frustration and anger, noting that the leak is part of a larger pattern of infrastructure failure across the city and the country.