In response to the severe water supply crisis in Havana's El Cotorro municipality, the government has deployed water trucks from the Revolutionary Armed Forces to deliver water to residents, according to a Facebook post by the Municipal Assembly of People's Power.
For over a week, these military water trucks have been navigating the streets of El Cotorro. The distribution effort began in the Alberro neighborhood and, at the time of the report, had reached seven districts.
Authorities acknowledged that this measure is merely a temporary fix, offering only a brief "reprieve" in the face of the ongoing water scarcity.
The Critical Condition of Havana's Water System
The technical situation of Havana's water supply, particularly in El Cotorro, is dire. One motor has been sent for rewinding and awaits reinstallation, while another in San Francisco broke down last Sunday. These failures have exacerbated the already fragile supply system.
As a supplementary measure, officials announced plans to bring six manual pumps to the municipality, although the installation sites have yet to be determined. They also plan to use school cisterns as reservoirs during the school holidays. The distribution will be controlled, with schedules communicated to residents by the local defense zone.
Resident Frustration and Government Response
The frustration among residents is evident. Mayrobys Martínez, a resident of Building 14 in Alberro, had already voiced her concerns, saying she had been without running water for weeks and the promised trucks hadn't reached her community.
"Having to walk in the sun, carrying gallons and bottles like we're in Africa... just for basic needs like cooking and bathing because we can't even wash clothes," Martínez wrote on Facebook.
In another post, she bluntly expressed her exhaustion: "Forget the 'homeland or death' rhetoric... I just want to live."
Days earlier, leader Miguel Díaz-Canel visited Marianao and touted the use of water trucks and reservoir creation as "progress," emergency measures now being implemented in El Cotorro without any structural solution in sight.
Widespread Water Issues Across Havana
El Cotorro is not an isolated case. In July, over 500,000 Havana residents faced water supply issues, up from 200,000 estimated in April and 376,055 confirmed in May by Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez, president of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources.
Nationally, about 2.7 million people struggle daily to access clean water. The water crisis is closely linked to the deteriorating electrical system: 87% of pumping facilities rely on electricity, and only 135 out of 480 key stations have circuits protected against power outages. When power cuts halt the pumps, water stops reaching homes.
El Cotorro has also been a frequent protest site in 2026. On March 12, residents banged pots and pans under the slogan "We can't take it anymore," and on June 10, residents of Dulce Nombre took to the streets chanting "Down with the dictatorship."
Understanding Havana's Water Crisis
What measures are being taken to address the water shortage in El Cotorro?
Authorities have deployed military water trucks and plan to install manual pumps and use school cisterns as reservoirs. However, these are temporary solutions, not a permanent fix.
How many people in Havana are affected by water supply issues?
As of July, over 500,000 Havana residents were experiencing water supply problems, a significant increase from previous months.
What is the relationship between Cuba's water crisis and its electrical system?
The water crisis is linked to the failing electrical system, as 87% of water pumping stations depend on electricity, and only a few have circuits protected against outages.
Have there been any protests related to the water crisis in El Cotorro?
Yes, El Cotorro has seen repeated protests, including pot-banging demonstrations and street marches, expressing public discontent with the ongoing crisis.