Music producer Laura Martín Nieto has raised alarms over smoke from burning trash in areas of Havana's Metropolitan Park, which is beginning to impact the health of local residents.
"For several days, the central Puentes Grandes area in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality has been dealing with this situation after someone had the 'brilliant' idea to establish a waste burning site in Metropolitan Park," Martín Nieto reported on Facebook this past Friday.
She noted that the burning is occurring just 50 meters away from the Clínico Quirúrgico Hospital on 26th Street, in a densely populated neighborhood with elderly people and children.
"Visible respiratory issues are already starting to appear. Carbon monoxide KILLS. We are unaware of the health and environmental costs of burning all types of waste. I urge everyone to urgently share this citizen complaint!" she lamented.
This complaint joins several others highlighting health risks from the burning and accumulation of trash in Havana, amidst a breakdown of public services.
Recently, in Lawton, residents also sounded the alarm about waste being burned in a residential area due to a lack of fuel for transport to landfills.
From Regla, another resident shared a similar story: "They were burning trash at the sand quarry too. The smoke was so thick that you couldn't even see the bay and Havana, and the stench was terrible. They're slowly killing us."
A resident from Diez de Octubre mentioned that the city is overwhelmed with trash because there is no daily collection. "Communal services are adding to this by creating infectious hotspots at their facilities, emitting toxic smoke and gases, worsening the overall health situation of the population."
Recently, a complaint sent to CiberCuba accused the municipal 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.
Health and Environmental Concerns from Trash Burning in Havana
What are the health risks associated with burning trash?
Burning trash can release harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, which can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems. Long-term exposure can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
Why is trash being burned in residential areas of Havana?
Due to a lack of resources, such as fuel for garbage trucks, waste is being burned in residential areas as a means of disposal. This situation is exacerbated by the collapse of public services in the city.
How can residents address the issue of trash burning?
Residents can raise awareness by sharing their concerns on social media and reporting the issue to local authorities. Community action and pressure on the government can help drive changes in waste management practices.