In Matanzas, the local Party and government officials convened to assess the economic and social conditions across municipalities, aiming to tackle the ongoing fuel shortages that have severely impacted transportation, production, and basic services in the province.
According to a report by Periódico Girón on Facebook, the meeting focused on implementing new strategies to prioritize local agricultural production, support vulnerable individuals, and reorganize state employment as resources dwindle.
However, rather than instilling confidence, the announcement was met with a wave of criticism from the public, who voiced their frustration and exhaustion over what they perceive as empty promises with no tangible results.
Public Outcry Over Ineffective Measures
In the comments section of the official post, several residents of Matanzas expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the proposed measures.
"Meetings, agreements that aren't fulfilled, zero follow-up on each issue… God, what a struggle," lamented one user.
From Unión de Reyes, another resident highlighted the severity of the situation: "It's all just talk. Unión de Reyes is without water, no buses for cancer patients who need their treatments, not to mention the lack of food… It's easy to talk from behind a desk when you don't have a sick family."
Complaints also arose regarding the deteriorating electricity infrastructure: "It all sounds nice, but when will the transformer in Limonar be fixed? We're living like beggars."
Others pointed to the broader economic impact: "With this situation, no fuel, skyrocketing prices, and the dollar out of reach… families without help from abroad are vulnerable, even state enterprises."
Details of Announced Measures
The authorities' plan includes prioritizing municipal agricultural production to meet food demand and identifying vulnerable individuals and families for nutritional and economic support.
Mario Sabines Lorenzo, the first secretary of the Party in Matanzas, emphasized the need to strengthen these initiatives in each area.
Moreover, each municipality is expected to establish a center for preparing and selling cooked meals at "reasonable costs," with local officials tasked with overseeing price controls.
Health and Economic Adjustments Amid Electrical Crisis
In the health sector, it was announced that dialysis patients from municipal centers lacking equipped hospitals will be admitted, and subsidized travel for prioritized treatments in Havana will continue. Fuel will also be allocated for ambulances.
The Provincial Directorate of Labor has recommended reducing the physical presence in workplaces, keeping only essential staff, and encouraging remote work to minimize unnecessary commutes.
Meanwhile, the province grapples with a complex electrical situation, with approximately a hundred damaged transformers affecting municipalities like Jovellanos, Perico, and Unión de Reyes, which also face water supply issues.
The distribution of pending items from the regulated family basket continues, although municipalities such as Pedro Betancourt, Martí, Calimete, and Perico are lagging behind.
Additionally, Varadero's Tourist Hub will initiate a worker relocation process due to declining hotel occupancy.
Growing Discontent Amid Institutional Distrust
Despite official rhetoric on reorganization, control, and prioritizing sensitive sectors, social media comments reflect a growing dissatisfaction and loss of faith in institutional capabilities to reverse the crisis.
Amid meetings, plans, and appeals for economic discipline, many citizens assert that the daily reality — power outages, water shortages, limited transportation, and high food prices — outweighs any official announcement.
Understanding Matanzas' Crisis and Public Sentiment
What measures have been announced to tackle the fuel crisis in Matanzas?
The measures include prioritizing local agricultural production, supporting vulnerable individuals, reorganizing state employment, and establishing food centers with reasonable costs.
How have the residents of Matanzas reacted to these announcements?
Residents have largely reacted with criticism and skepticism, expressing frustration over repeated promises without concrete outcomes.
What are the main challenges currently faced by the province?
The main challenges include fuel shortages affecting transportation and services, a complex electrical situation with damaged transformers, and economic hardships due to high prices and scarce resources.