Michel León Rodríguez, the municipal manager of Matanzas, has publicly attributed the city's overwhelming trash accumulation to the American embargo and sanctions imposed by Washington. His remarks were made last Wednesday on the TV Yumurí program "With the People's Voice."
"The impact of the embargo has been incredibly severe. Sometimes, not having the full amount of fuel, whether we want to admit it or not, has harmed us and, above all, caused a buildup of garbage. I truly believe it has been detrimental," León Rodríguez stated on camera.
Moreover, León Rodríguez highlighted that the latest measures from the Trump administration have "intensified" the economic woes of the municipality, making fuel access increasingly challenging: "Obtaining fuel today in the amounts we previously had is extremely difficult. It’s the hardest hit."
Underlying Structural Crisis Exposed
Despite these claims, the full interview uncovers a deeper structural crisis that extends far beyond fuel shortages. The Municipal Communal Services Company is facing a significant staffing shortfall of over 39%, as only 918 positions out of an expected 1,525 are filled.
The municipality is operating with merely 17 vehicles daily for waste collection across Communales, Micons, and the Military Construction Company. There is an additional need for 60 to 200 more liters of fuel daily to complete thorough sanitation routes, a requirement not consistently met.
Financial losses plague the company, preventing it from paying worker bonuses and leaving it indebted for essential protective gear. "We still owe for shoes and clothing... we are still in debt regarding raw materials and how we sort them," the manager acknowledged.
Health Risks and Complaints From Residents
The health repercussions are tangible. On May 4, an outbreak of hepatitis A was confirmed with 18 active cases in the Versalles neighborhood, where accumulated trash is washed into the Yumurí River by rain. León Rodríguez himself warned that the situation will worsen with the rainy season's arrival.
On May 12, residents on Embarcadero Street reported entire blocks obstructed by trash, plagued by rodents and foul odors, just a short distance from the Communal Services facilities.
The Broader National Context
The national picture exacerbates the situation. On the same Wednesday, Cuba's Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, admitted the country has absolutely no fuel reserves for power generation: "We have no fuel, no diesel, only accompanying gas."
While León Rodríguez continued to blame the embargo as the primary cause, independent analysts and media outlets argue that the inefficient management of the state-run model, corruption, and 67 years of communist dictatorship are equally critical factors in the crisis afflicting the Cuban populace.
The host of "With the People's Voice" encapsulated the severity with a statement even the regime couldn't suppress: "The collection of solid waste in Matanzas can no longer be justified."
Understanding the Trash Crisis in Matanzas
What are the main reasons for the trash crisis in Matanzas?
While the municipal manager blames U.S. sanctions and the embargo, independent sources point to factors like inefficient state management, corruption, and the long-standing communist rule in Cuba.
How is the trash crisis affecting public health in Matanzas?
The crisis has led to a hepatitis A outbreak, with 18 confirmed cases. Accumulated garbage during rainy seasons exacerbates the spread of diseases.
What challenges does the waste management company face?
The company struggles with a significant shortage of personnel, a lack of vehicles and fuel, and financial losses that hinder operations and employee compensation.