Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac recently proposed a tongue-in-cheek solution to Cuba's ongoing electricity crisis, suggesting that the military take charge of power generation to help alleviate the nation's near standstill.
On Facebook, Ulises shared a photo depicting a massive pile of garbage on a street in the Playa municipality of Havana, sparking criticism of the severe breakdown in basic services across Cuba.
The actor's image was accompanied by a wry comment: "If this is the state of affairs in this proletarian aristocratic neighborhood... I dread to think of the rest."
Ulises aimed not only to highlight the visible decay in the area but also to satirize the official narrative that suggests turning waste into a power source amidst the country's ongoing energy crisis.
Irony Meets Official Proposals
In the comments section, he sarcastically added, "Suggestion to the government: the military, with military fuel, could gather a massive amount of biomass. Just a thought... it could light up Cuba and even be exported."
His ironic remark alluded to a recent proposal by Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, who advocated for generating electricity from organic waste as part of a strategy to address the energy collapse.
A City Drowning in Waste
Toirac's shared image encapsulates a recurring issue plaguing numerous Havana neighborhoods: trash piles that linger for days, sometimes weeks, without collection.
The shortage of oil has essentially immobilized several services, including waste collection. With insufficient fuel to operate garbage trucks, makeshift dumps have become common sights along streets and corners.
The resulting impact transcends aesthetics: the accumulation of organic waste produces foul odors, attracts insects and rodents, and poses an increasing health risk to the population.
Biogas Plans Amidst Energy Crisis
In the midst of prolonged power outages, fuel shortages, and a virtually paralyzed transport system, Díaz-Canel recently suggested the potential of generating electricity through biogas derived from waste.
"Biogas: transforming waste into energy," the president explained, envisioning specialized plants capable of cooking, lighting homes, and even generating electricity through engines connected to generators.
This initiative was portrayed as a step towards energy independence, countering challenges in importing fossil fuels—a difficulty the government attributes to policies enacted by the Trump administration.
However, many Cubans find the proposal out of touch with their immediate reality. While there's talk of converting waste into energy, the streets remain littered with uncollected trash, highlighting inefficient resource management and a structural failure to ensure essential services.
Energy Crisis and Waste Management in Cuba: Key Questions Answered
What did Ulises Toirac suggest to resolve Cuba's electricity crisis?
Ulises Toirac humorously suggested that the military use its resources to collect biomass and generate electricity, addressing the country's severe power shortages.
How does the garbage issue in Havana affect the residents?
The accumulation of garbage in Havana leads to unpleasant odors, attracts pests, and poses health risks, significantly impacting the quality of life for residents.