A report sent to CiberCuba accuses the local government of San Miguel del Padrón of instructing garbage trucks to dump “all the trash” from the municipality in front of a high school in Havana.
This complaint arises amid a growing waste accumulation problem in the capital, which the official press acknowledges is due to the ongoing deterioration of communal services, a severe fuel shortage, and increasing public frustration over garbage piling up in Havana's streets and neighborhoods.
The video submitted to our newsroom captures the anger of residents over the new dumpsite established in front of the educational institution, which is likely to become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, rodents, and diseases.
This Thursday, Cubadebate released a photo report on "micro-dumps" in Havana, admitting the scarcity and poor condition of waste containers and the collection system's inability to manage the city's waste volume. The state-run media highlighted that while the issue is not new, its persistence and visibility have heightened public discontent among the city's residents.
The official report identifies main causes as financial constraints, equipment deterioration, low availability of garbage trucks, staff shortages, and a lack of containers. It also admitted that Havana generates more waste than can be collected with the available resources and that existing dumpsites are "practically overwhelmed."
The publication sparked numerous reactions on social media. Comments on Cubadebate's Facebook post were filled with irony, sarcasm, and direct criticism towards the government and the media outlet, questioning why this long-standing problem is being addressed now, and expressing frustration over the lack of concrete solutions.
Daily experiences in several municipalities contrast with the official acknowledgment: in areas like Centro Habana, La Habana Vieja, Boyeros, or Arroyo Naranjo, waste can remain for days or weeks on street corners, alongside sewage, mosquitoes, and rodents, posing significant health risks, particularly to children and the elderly.
Weeks ago, the government launched weekend volunteer campaigns to collect trash, which state media portrayed as a "turning point." However, the effort was short-lived, and micro-dumps reappeared after only two or three weeks.
Adding to the problem is a "severe fuel shortage" that has left many garbage trucks out of service, exacerbating the waste accumulation issue in the capital.
During a public appearance on the same Thursday, Miguel Díaz-Canel conceded that Cuba is facing conditions similar to those of the Special Period and that there are no immediate solutions to the energy crisis. He advocated for using waste as an energy source through biogas and biomass, an idea the article contrasts with the hygienic and sanitary conditions reported by the official press earlier that day.
In this context, garbage has become one of the most visible symbols of national decline, leaving citizens questioning whether sustainable solutions will be implemented or if public acknowledgment will once again remain just words.
Understanding Havana's Waste Management Crisis
What are the main causes of the waste management problem in Havana?
The main causes include financial limitations, deteriorating equipment, a low availability of garbage trucks, staff shortages, and a lack of containers. Additionally, Havana produces more waste than can be collected with the resources available.
How has the public reacted to the waste management issues in Havana?
The public reaction has been one of frustration and criticism, with many questioning why long-standing waste management issues are only now being addressed and expressing displeasure over the lack of concrete solutions.
What is the Cuban government's proposed solution for the waste issue?
The government has suggested using waste as an energy source through biogas and biomass, although this proposal contrasts with the current waste management and sanitary challenges in Havana.