Two Individuals in Matanzas Charged with Tampering with a Water Pumping Valve

Authorities from the Matanzas Water and Sewer Company disclosed that two individuals were caught red-handed manipulating a critical valve responsible for redistributing water flow to various city areas.

According to a report by Periódico Girón, the incident occurred during nighttime inspections conducted by the company's management team. These individuals were found operating valves situated in Peñas Altas, allegedly attempting to divert water supply towards the Playa area.

The state-run company described this act as a "serious infraction that could face legal action according to existing sector regulations." In their statement, they emphasized that "no citizen is authorized to interfere with distribution systems," highlighting that such actions could adversely affect a significant number of residents.

The announcement also noted an attempt to defame one of their executives amid efforts to curb the misconduct by these residents. The Water Company confirmed that the incident was "promptly reported to the relevant authorities," and further investigation results will be announced soon.

Just hours before, the same official outlet had released the article "New Pump Installation to Benefit High Area of Matanzas," detailing the ongoing work by specialized Water Company crews to install a horizontal pump. This initiative aimed to enhance water distribution to the provincial capital area, which has faced shortages recently. The article further acknowledged supply issues in the same area where the valve incident later took place, expecting the new equipment to deliver a greater water volume to affected zones.

The Provincial Government of Popular Power in Matanzas echoed the manipulation complaint through its official social media channels.

Public Outcry and Criticism Surround the Issue

Following the report, numerous users voiced their dissatisfaction with the persistent water scarcity in Matanzas, questioning the institutional narrative. Comments like, "Why do residents have to manipulate the valves? Why isn't the job being done?" surfaced, as one user pointed out the necessity for self-action if water doesn't reach homes.

Another frustrated user stated, "It's been nearly a year since water has entered my home; this is an exasperating situation." Comments also argued, "Water does reach when the valve is handled properly, but there needs to be a desire to do the job right."

One resident shared, "We've gone over two years without water in our block," while another claimed, "There seems to be a business with water trucks, as they're always exorbitantly priced, and nobody regulates it."

Several commentators directly blamed the water management officials: "The Hydrology executives must be held accountable... There is no oversight benefiting the populace. We can't be left without water." Another added, "We have bedridden elderly, and we endure entire days without a drop."

Many voices agreed that the issue lies not with the community but with the lack of institutional management and control. "This must be happening city-wide, as it's impossible for water to enter just one day a month," summarized one user. Another sarcastically remarked, "The technology is the technology, and without it, there is no technology... a perfect business."

Some labeled the official note as "information crafted to cover up a situation that begins to expose the real culprits," while others saw it as "an opportunistic news piece to justify the unjustifiable." One comment questioned, "Am I to believe that an entire network operates all valves in Matanzas unnoticed?"

Another reaction stated, "Water does arrive; the issue is the valves aren't opened correctly," while a neighbor insisted, "When there's a will, there's a way, even with makeshift solutions, but there's no concern for anything."

Direct accusations of irregularities also surfaced: "The person responsible for opening the valve either doesn't do it as required or leaves it closed so water is scarce, forcing people to purchase water trucks... we already know it's a business."

Additional comments expressed frustration and fatigue: "We have no water; how long will this continue?" "There needs to be control, as there's never any water, and this never used to happen." "We have rivers, yet no water reaches us."

Overall, the comments reflect a common pattern of dissatisfaction: complaints about the lack of service, allegations of institutional negligence, and suspicions of corruption in water supply management. Far from calming the discussion, Periódico Girón's publication amplified the public's demand for an effective solution to Matanzas' water crisis.