As the 73rd anniversary of the attack on the Moncada Barracks approaches, the Construction and Assembly Company of Las Tunas (CONALZA) has showcased a housing project using recycled shipping containers. This initiative is being promoted by the Cuban government as an alternative solution to the ongoing housing crisis, although it faces delays and skepticism regarding its practicality.
This past Sunday, CONALZA shared images on Facebook of their work in the El Cornito area of Las Tunas, in collaboration with Gelma, Metunas, and Constructive Maintenance.
CONALZA explained that the containers, previously used for transporting solar park components from China to Cuba, are now being repurposed as homes under the government's "circular economy" strategy.
The photos depict several containers, one bearing the logo of the Chinese shipping company COSCO, placed on concrete foundations and maneuvered with XCMG cranes, also manufactured in China. According to metadata from one of the images, it was captured on July 16 in Cuba.
The company touted these future residences as "social homes with excellent comfort and aesthetics." However, the project has been progressing much slower than the targets set by the government itself.
Struggles to Meet Housing Goals
The national plan aims to convert over 3,500 containers into homes. Yet, during an April meeting led by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, it was disclosed that only 133 units had been delivered country-wide, with just 19 fully completed.
State media has also acknowledged these challenges. On July 17, the Escambray newspaper from Sancti Spíritus reported significant delays in the province, where out of over a hundred anticipated homes for 2026, only 17 were in the assembly phase, and none had been finished.
Concerns Over Livability
Beyond the setbacks, experts have raised concerns about the livability of these constructions. Cuban architect Abel Tablada warned in May that the metal containers could reach dangerously high temperatures in the island's tropical climate unless properly insulated and equipped with permanent air conditioning systems. This concern has led many Cubans to nickname these homes "the Microwave" on social media.
The criticism is particularly poignant in a country plagued by extended power outages that make continuous air conditioning use challenging.
Moreover, the cost of these homes is prohibitive for most families. Although part of a state program, each unit is priced close to one million Cuban pesos, financed through loans.
Worsening Housing Shortage
The promotion of this project coincides with a worsening housing deficit in Cuba. Official figures reveal a demand exceeding 929,000 homes, while in 2025, only 2,382 of the planned 10,795 homes were completed, amounting to just over 22% of the annual goal.
In this scenario, container homes have become part of the government’s showcase projects ahead of the July 26 celebrations, which will be held this year in Pinar del Río under the banner "My Moncada is the Homeland," coinciding with Fidel Castro's 100th birthday.
FAQs on Cuba's Container Housing Initiative
How many container homes have been completed in Cuba?
As of the latest reports, only 19 container homes have been fully completed across Cuba, despite the goal to convert over 3,500 containers into residences.
What are the main concerns regarding container homes in Cuba?
The main concerns include the high cost, the potential for extreme heat within the metal containers, and the challenges of maintaining comfortable living conditions due to frequent power outages.