In the town of Unión de Reyes, located in the Matanzas province, residents took to the streets on Friday to protest after enduring more than 45 consecutive hours without electricity. This prolonged outage has also left numerous families without access to water.
According to the official broadcaster Radio Unión Matanzas, top officials from the Communist Party and the municipal government visited the residential area to "engage in dialogue" with a group of locals, urging them to "maintain order" amidst reports of pot-banging protests throughout the province the previous night.
The lackluster statement from authorities revealed that the community voiced several concerns, particularly the pressing need for a scheduled power outage plan, which would allow them to manage water pumping and storage in their homes more effectively.
They also demanded more timely information regarding water supply issues and power interruptions, as the lack of electricity disrupts the normal operation of the pumping system that supplies water to the municipality.
By the end of the report, the area had been without electricity for over 45 hours, severely impacting access to drinking water in the central town and surrounding communities.
Residents also reported that some individuals were improperly handling the hydraulic system's valves, disrupting the equitable distribution of water and adversely affecting many families.
Local authorities, led by Arlen González, the first secretary of the Party in Unión de Reyes, outlined "the measures" being taken to address the crisis and reaffirmed their commitment to working with the community to improve services. However, they called for maintaining social discipline and safeguarding the water infrastructure.
This appeal came after several protests and acts of arson were reported Thursday night in response to the island's crisis and the unending power outages.
The situation unfolds amid Cuba's severe energy crisis, characterized by prolonged blackouts across various provinces and significant challenges in water supply.
Understanding the Crisis in Unión de Reyes
What prompted the protests in Unión de Reyes?
The protests were sparked by a prolonged power outage lasting over 45 hours, which also interrupted the water supply, leaving many families without essential services.
How are local authorities responding to the crisis?
Local officials, including Arlen González, have engaged with residents to discuss ongoing measures to tackle the crisis and have emphasized the importance of maintaining order and protecting the water infrastructure.
What are the main concerns of the residents?
Residents are primarily concerned about the lack of a scheduled plan for power outages, which affects their ability to manage water storage, and the need for timely information on power and water supply disruptions.