An official statement released this Saturday regarding technical inspections of the Minerva Ochoíta system has sparked immediate public outcry, highlighting a widespread water supply crisis affecting numerous neighborhoods in Santa Clara, located in Villa Clara province.
The brief notification, shared on the Santaclareño Facebook page, attempted to frame the issues with the Minerva Ochoíta system as routine maintenance, vaguely referring to "dissatisfaction" in the highlands of the Capiro district while announcing repairs on one of its pumps.
However, the residents' testimonies paint a picture of a comprehensive crisis impacting a large portion of Santa Clara's communities. Many have reported acute water shortages, with distribution cycles extending beyond 30 days, and in some cases, reaching up to 90 days.
The central focus of complaints is the Minerva-Ochoita system, a critical supply line for much of the city, serving areas such as Santa Catalina, Capiro, Los Moros, Camacho, Escambray (Doble Vida), and Universidad, among others.
"It's not just about Capiro; almost every neighborhood, which constitutes more than half of Santa Clara, experiences cycles lasting over 30 days," stated Gretter Cabrera, a local resident.
Luis Alonso, living on 2nd Street between H and J in Santa Catalina, specified that six buildings—numbers 31, 32, 33, 34, 38, and 40—have been without water since April 1st, totaling 31 days of no supply.
"Water is withheld to ensure a select few can access it at all times using private pumps, denying others their fair share. The communal cistern has been turned into private property for a few. Such is the level of corruption here," Alonso lamented.
Yanet Rodríguez Molina from the upper part of Santa Catalina mentioned that her area has missed five consecutive cycles of water delivery, with the EXPRESO system non-functional and no backup water trucks arriving.
"If the system operates without quality due to the pumps, and you still run it for five or six days for the same area hoping the water miraculously arrives, that's unreasonable. What is the solution?" she questioned.
The Universidad district reports over two months without water. "They claim the pumps are working, but where is the water? Please, be honest and conscientious about what you say," Nuris Suárez demanded.
Residents point out the irony that the crisis worsened following the system's modernization. In late 2024, authorities installed new pumps amidst much fanfare, but the expected improvements never materialized.
"It's unbelievable that before upgrading these pumps, we never had issues with water pressure, and now, despite the new installations, we are without service, and the supply cycle keeps extending," wrote Naima Martínez López from Escambray (Doble Vida).
Ibraim Ruiz expressed skepticism about the proper functioning and management of Santa Clara's water supply.
The water company's explanations also fail to convince. Oscar Coca Bernal recounted that after going many days without water, the company attributed it to a "mismanaged valve," adding, "they brush off our complaints."
Residents of the Camacho district are also demanding solutions, emphasizing that the affected include the elderly, bedridden individuals, and children.
"I get heart palpitations every time I hear about Minerva Ochoíta. How long will those of us relying on this system remain thirsty? They've never adhered to the water supply schedules," summarized Zenia Rodríguez, echoing the frustration of thousands in Santa Clara.
The situation in Santa Clara is not unique. In Matanzas, over 300,000 individuals face inconsistent water supply, while residents in Cienfuegos report muddy water due to deteriorating infrastructure.
In Havana, desperation has driven some to set trash ablaze to attract firefighters and access water from their trucks.
According to mid-2025 data from the Food Monitor Program, 43% of Cubans receive water every three days or less frequently, with over 3.1 million people (30% of the population) experiencing partial or complete service interruptions—an issue the organization describes as a chronic humanitarian emergency.
Water supply problems in Santa Clara are neither new nor recent. In January 2023, a pump failure left over 86,000 residents without water, and in June 2024, desperation led Villa Clara residents to block a road in protest over the same issue.
Understanding Santa Clara's Water Crisis
What is causing the water crisis in Santa Clara?
The crisis is attributed to issues with the Minerva Ochoíta system, including technical problems and mismanagement, leading to extended water distribution cycles and shortages.
How are residents affected by the water shortages?
Residents face cycles of water distribution that can exceed 30 to 90 days, affecting daily life significantly, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with health issues.
What measures have been taken to address the situation?
Despite modernization efforts, such as installing new pumps, the expected improvements have not been realized, and the issues persist, prompting public protests and demands for transparency and effective solutions.