A Facebook video has brought to light the rapid degradation of the oldest bridge in Jiguaní, a municipality in Granma province. An expanding hole, a result of repeated river surges, threatens to obliterate the structure entirely.
In a brief 22-second clip, the narrator explains how the initial river surge undermined the bridge's foundations, and a subsequent surge exacerbated the damage. The hole has been expanding ever since.
"No one thought you'd grow so much, and there you are, expanding every day, little by little, more and more. You see, at any moment you'll destroy Jiguaní's oldest bridge. But apparently, no one cares, because look at you, look at how you go," the video’s narrator laments.
The complaint directly targets the inaction of Cuban authorities, who have failed to intervene despite the visible and worsening deterioration of a structure with significant historical value to the community.
The video, shared by the account "Robertico y su gozadera" with hashtags #Cuba #cubanosporelmundo #Jiguaní, has garnered over 90,000 views, around 1,832 reactions, and 188 comments, highlighting widespread concern among Cubans about the state of their infrastructure.
The Historical Significance of Jiguaní
Jiguaní, established on January 25, 1701, as San Pablo de Jiguaní, is the second-oldest settlement in Granma province, following Bayamo. The town’s historical heritage includes colonial-era structures, making the potential loss of the bridge even more severe.
The municipality's history of flooding exacerbates the wear on its infrastructure. In June 2023, the overflowing of the Jiguaní river rendered bridges impassable and roads destroyed, while at least one person drowned. The damages from these floods, according to the video, were never adequately repaired.
A Nationwide Pattern of Infrastructure Neglect
This situation fits into a broader national pattern of neglect for Cuba's road infrastructure. In Matanzas, the General Lacret Morlot bridge was reported in May 2026 to have deep cracks and severe erosion, despite a repair being announced a year earlier with no tangible progress made.
Similarly, in Havana, the Almendares bridge, built in 1911, was criticized in December 2024 for having crumbling concrete and corroded steel bars.
This pattern repeats across the island: visible deterioration, citizen complaints on social media, and insufficient or nonexistent institutional responses, while the regime fails to allocate resources for maintenance and repair.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Infrastructure Issues
What is causing the deterioration of bridges in Cuba?
The deterioration is primarily caused by neglect and lack of maintenance, exacerbated by natural events like flooding and river surges that weaken structures over time.
How have citizens responded to infrastructure neglect in Cuba?
Citizens have taken to social media to voice their concerns and document the deterioration, hoping to draw attention from authorities and mobilize action for repairs and maintenance.
What are the historical implications of losing structures like the Jiguaní bridge?
Losing structures like the Jiguaní bridge can result in the erasure of important historical and cultural heritage sites, diminishing the community's connection to its past.