A resident from San Francisco de Paula, located in the Havana municipality of San Miguel del Padrón, has voiced his frustration over enduring a month without water in his home, placing the blame squarely on the authorities for the ongoing supply disruption.
The complaint was shared on Facebook by Arturo Brito, who noted that since June 14—a date he has circled on his calendar—the water supply system known as "El Gato" has ceased to deliver water to his area.
"My cistern is completely dry. There's not even enough water to wet my hands," he lamented.
Brito highlighted that while many Havana residents have reported service interruptions lasting several days, his community has been dealing with this issue for a full month.
"I see numerous people complaining about being without water for four, six, or even ten days. They have every right to be angry. But in San Francisco de Paula, we've been without a single drop since June 14. Does that seem fair to you?" he questioned.
Demand for Immediate Action
Brito specifically criticized the state-run company, Aguas de La Habana, accusing it of issuing statements rather than providing tangible solutions.
According to him, the organization has claimed it cannot provide precise information on when the service will resume.
"What the population needs isn't precise information or repeated apologies. What it needs is water, plain and simple," he asserted.
Chronic Water Crisis Hits Havana
This complaint arises amidst a severe water supply crisis affecting Havana. Recent figures from Aguas de La Habana reveal that over 500,000 residents of the capital are experiencing disruptions, a number that exceeds the figures reported just two months earlier.
San Miguel del Padrón has faced recurring supply issues over recent years. In 2024, residents even protested after weeks without water, while breakdowns, pipeline ruptures, and prolonged power outages have continued to disrupt the pumping system serving the area.
In February 2026, a 48-inch pipeline burst impacted not just this municipality but also Guanabacoa and Habana del Este. On June 20, neighbors from the Afán neighborhood and other San Miguel del Padrón areas staged protests, including banging pots and burning tires, over power outages lasting up to 22 hours daily.
Urgent Calls for Resolution
Brito's complaint coincides with an unprecedented water crisis in the capital. As of July 11, experts cited by Aguas de La Habana reported over 500,000 Habaneros affected, surpassing 376,055 confirmed in May. Nationally, approximately 2.7 million Cubans face daily shortages of potable water.
Notably, 87% of the capital's water supply system relies on the electrical grid to operate pumps, and power outages in July 2026 have ranged from 22 to 30 hours daily. Additionally, 40% of pumping equipment is in poor condition, and the system functions with just 37% of the required fuel. Meanwhile, a resident of Marianao recently reported 12 days without water, adding to the continuous chain of grievances.
In closing his post, Brito urged the authorities to address the issue with urgency.
"Water is neither a luxury nor a favor. It is a basic service and a right. The residents of San Francisco de Paula deserve a serious, transparent response and, most importantly, an urgent solution," he concluded.
Understanding the Water Crisis in Havana
What has caused the prolonged water shortages in San Miguel del Padrón?
The extended water shortages are attributed to a combination of infrastructure issues, like pipeline ruptures, and frequent power outages that disrupt the pumping systems crucial for water distribution.
How are residents coping with the lack of water?
Residents are struggling significantly, as they have no water for even basic needs. Some have resorted to public protests and social media to demand solutions from the authorities.
What measures are being taken to resolve the crisis?
While some statements have been made by the authorities, there are no clear or immediate solutions being implemented, leaving residents frustrated with the lack of action and transparency.